Pruning precautions for 3D artificial vertical gardens

The pruning of vertical gardens should take into account the health of plants, landscape effects and structural safety. Targeted strategies should be formulated based on the particularities of three-dimensional planting (such as uneven light, limited space and differences in plant growth directions). The following analysis is conducted from five dimensions: pruning timing, tool selection, operation norms, safety protection, and subsequent management:

First, the timing of pruning: It varies by plant and is adjusted according to the season

Growth cycle and pruning window

Fast-growing plants (such as pothos, spider plants, and ivy) : Prune 1-2 times a month, control the length of the branches, and avoid excessive spread that blocks other plants.

Slow-growing plants (such as succulents, ferns, and small shrubs) : Prune once every quarter, with a focus on removing dead branches and diseased leaves to prevent excessive pruning from causing growth stagnation.

Flowering plants (such as petunias and geraniums) : After flowering, prune the spent flowers and overgrown branches to promote secondary flowering. Avoid heavy pruning during the dormant period (winter) to prevent affecting growth in the following year.

Seasonal adjustment

In spring: Focus on pruning the damaged branches in winter to promote the emergence of new buds.

In summer: Reduce the frequency of pruning when the temperature is high to avoid wound infection. After pruning, additional irrigation is needed to prevent the plants from dehydrating.

In autumn: Prune overly dense branches, enhance ventilation and light penetration, and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

In winter: Only prune dead or severely diseased and weak branches to avoid slow wound healing caused by low temperatures.

Second, tool selection: lightweight, sharp, and suitable for three-dimensional scenes

Basic tool configuration

Pruning shears: They are used for pruning branches with a diameter of no more than 1cm. It is necessary to choose a style with sharp blades and anti-slip handles, which is convenient for operation in the vertical direction.

Long-handled scissors: Suitable for branches at high or deep places to avoid safety risks caused by climbing.

Garden saw: It is used for pruning woody branches with a diameter greater than 2cm (such as small shrubs). A lightweight and foldable model should be chosen.

Tool disinfection and maintenance

Disinfection: Before pruning, wipe the tools with 75% alcohol or potassium permanganate solution to prevent cross-infection.

Sharpening the blade: Regularly use a whetstone to sharpen the blade of the tool to ensure a smooth cut and reduce damage to plant tissues.

Third, operation norms: Precise, gentle, and protective of the structure

Pruning principle

"Bud retention and orientation selection" : When pruning, keep the outer or upward bud points, guide the branches to grow in the direction of open space, and avoid the branches growing towards the wall or below.

"Remove the weak and retain the strong" : Prioritize the pruning of thin, weak, crossed and inward-growing branches, and keep the vigorous main and lateral branches.

"Layered pruning" : In a vertical garden, plants of different heights need to be pruned in layers to prevent the upper layer from blocking the light of the lower layer.

Incision treatment

Smooth cut: The cut should form a 45° Angle with the branch to avoid vertical cuts that may cause water accumulation and rot.

Wound protection: After pruning, apply a gardening wound healing agent (such as paraffin or beeswax) to the cut to reduce water loss and pathogen invasion.

Avoid excessive pruning

The amount of a single pruning should not exceed one-third of the total number of branches and leaves of the plant to prevent the plant from weakening due to a sudden reduction in photosynthetic area.

Fourth, safety protection: Fall prevention, puncture prevention, and electric shock prevention

Personnel safety

Fall prevention: When pruning at heights, wear a safety belt or use a stable ladder to avoid falling due to unstable center of gravity.

Prevention of stab wounds: When pruning thorny plants (such as cacti and roses), wear thick gloves and goggles to prevent stab wounds and splashes.

Prevent electric shock: If vertical gardens are close to power sources or lamps, the power should be turned off before pruning to avoid tools touching the wires.

Plant and structural safety

Avoid pulling: When pruning, operate gently to avoid pulling the branches forcefully, which may cause the plant's root system to loosen or the planting container to fall off.

Protect the supporting structure: When pruning, avoid metal frames, hooks and other supporting structures to prevent accidental pruning from causing structural damage.

Fifth, follow-up management: clearing, observing, and adjusting

On-site cleaning

After pruning, the fallen branches and leaves should be cleared immediately to prevent accumulation, which may cause the substrate to mold or breed pests.

Discarded branches can be sorted and disposed of: healthy branches can be used for cutting propagation, while diseased and weak branches need to be burned or deeply buried.

Plant Observation

After pruning, the growth status of the plants should be observed weekly, with a focus on checking whether the cuts have healed, whether new buds have sprouted, and whether there are any signs of diseases or pests.

If the cut is found to be rotten or the branches withered, timely pruning and application of fungicide should be carried out.

Maintenance strategy adjustment

Adjust the subsequent maintenance plan based on the pruning effect: If the plants grow too fast, increase the pruning frequency; If the growth is slow, the amount of pruning should be reduced and nutrients supplemented.

Sixth, Common Problems and Coping Strategies

The plants wilted after pruning

Reasons: Excessive pruning, incision infection, dehydration due to high temperature.

Countermeasures: Reduce the amount of irrigation (to prevent water accumulation at the wound site), increase the environmental humidity (spray for moisture retention), and provide shade and lower the temperature if necessary.

The branches rebound and block other plants

Reason: Improper pruning Angle or overly resilient branches.

Response: When pruning, reserve a 5-10cm "buffer section". Wait for the branches to naturally droop before pruning again. Or use gardening tie thread to fix the direction of the branches.

Mistakenly pruning healthy main branches

Reason: Operational error or unfamiliarity with plant structure.

Response: Immediately apply a healing agent to the incision to reduce nutrient loss; If the main branches are severely damaged, the plant shape needs to be re-planned or new seedlings need to be replanted.

Seventh, pruning techniques and case references

Example of skills

Pruning of Devil's Ivy: Keep the main vine and remove overly long lateral vines to promote the emergence of new buds. After pruning, pull the branches horizontally to increase the coverage density.

Succulent pruning: Only remove the dead leaves at the bottom and the overgrown parts at the top to avoid damaging the compact plant shape. After pruning, the cut should be dried before planting.

Case reference

The vertical garden of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore: Through layered pruning and directional bud retention, it achieves a three-dimensional landscape effect with plants of different heights and rich colors.

Vertical garden of an office building in Shanghai: The "light pruning + traction" strategy is adopted to control the growth direction of plants and avoid blocking the building's lighting.

Through the above precautions, the pruning of 3D artificial vertical gardens can achieve precise control, safety and efficiency, landscape optimization, while reducing the risks of plant damage and maintenance. During the pruning process, it is necessary to pay attention to adjusting according to the plant and the scene to ensure the long-term healthy growth of the vertical garden.