Knowledgebase

Plant Identification #334053

Asked June 19, 2016, 2:06 PM EDT

Hi,

I need help identifying a couple plants that we have on either side of our driveway. We need to learn how to prune them as the previous owners allowed them to become overbearing. They are shrub-like and have a lot of green berries.

Burleigh County North Dakota

Expert Response

This looks like a Western sandcherry (Prunus besseyi). The plant appears full and healthy.

You can keep it tidy by selectively cutting back some of the branches. Make cuts just above an outward facing branch. Some cuts can be made at ground level. In general, the best time to prune is in March, before new growth begins.

More instructions on pruning leafy shrubs is covered on page 6 of this publication:

https://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-4.pdf 

Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. You can email me directly at <personal data hidden>

- Tom

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 20, 2016, 9:19 PM EDT
Thank you, Tom! This was very helpful.
The Question Asker Replied June 21, 2016, 2:07 PM EDT

Loading ...