An orderly garden over time can become a wild crowd of trees and shrubs, especially if it had been over-planted initially or becomes overgrown when pruning has not been ongoing. However, all is not lost. Often removal or moving of plants can help, but pruning is essential when renovating an old garden. Keep in mind that it took time to create the chaos, and it will take time to renovate it properly. Pruning techniques for size reduction, thinning and plant definition will be discussed, as well as how and when to do more radical renovation.

Bess Bronstein is an ISA Certified Arborist, educator and horticultural consultant based on the Kitsap Peninsula in Kingston, Washington. She has 35 years experience in arboriculture, landscape management and garden design. Bess was an instructor for the Edmonds College horticulture program for 28 years, with a focus on courses in pruning and tree care, plant identification, plant pests and diagnosis, and soils. She frequently teaches public and professional arboriculture and horticulture courses throughout the Puget Sound, and supports ongoing education in sustainable landscape management practices and tree care.