Pruning Basics: Watersprouts

In this short video, Tobey Nelson CPH addresses watersprouts in a Korean dogwood tree (Cornus kousa). Watersprouts are a common issue in ornamental and fruiting trees and shrubs, and understanding these basics will help you develop your pruning skills.

[@1yorumsadece]

excellent 👏

[@MA-wo5yk]

I watched several videos before yours. Thought I understood that all water sprouts must go so I cut many off. Even ones with beautiful leaves. Now I understand from your video that I did a bad thing. I feel really bad now

[@WorldisArt]

Thank you for this! I have seen these on lots of trees and didn't know they were called water sprouts. :) Will the sprouts left behind eventually grow to have a less... awkward aesthetic? The dogwood you are working on, the non-water-sprout branches have a less rod-shaped form, so the sprout kinda sticks out aesthetically.

[@1NicholasInSeattle]

Hey Tobey, thanks so much for your help with Water Sprouts/Shoots. However, in my situation, the many part of the tree is not Vertical with the Sprouts shooting up as yours were in this video. I have an Italian Plum that was BRUTALLY pruned by a landscape company. It's (As a result) not producing fruit as it once did so wonderfully. I've decided to try and save the tree and help it get back on track to great health and production. BEST PLUMS EVER!!! MMMMMmmmm Anyway... I have not been able to find ANYONE on line to help with Identifying the Water Sprouts/Shoots on it. There are branches of course, but A LOT of them point to the sky. So I have NO CLUE which is a KEEPER or NOT or which IS a Water Shoot or is NOT. Any ideas? Kindly Sir Nicholas of Vashon! (Hello to my Island Neighbors you's!)

[@DucPham-ok5ko]

How do I recognize the Water Sprouts/Shoots ? No fruits on them ? Thanks

[@ventureoutplantnursery8058]

They will be new growth from the current year, and be very straight and long, usually going vertical. These will never be on the tips of branches.