What is the proper way to prune a large limb on a tree? 
To prevent extensive bark damage, use a three-cut procedure when pruning branches that are greater than 1.5 inches in diameter. Make the first cut 6 to 12 inches from the main branch or trunk. Cut upward and go about one-third of the way through the branch. Make the second cut 1 to 2 inches beyond the first. Cut downward completely through the branch. Make the final cut just beyond the branch collar. (The branch collar is the swollen area at the base of the branch.) 

Can blackberries be successfully grown in Iowa? 
The growth and fruiting characteristics of blackberries are similar to raspberries. The blackberry plant’s roots and crown are perennial, while its stems or canes are biennial. Blackberry canes are strictly vegetative during the first growing season. These first year canes are referred to as primocanes. The following year, these same canes (now called floricanes) flower, produce fruit and then die. 

In Iowa, the canes of most blackberry varieties suffer extensive winter injury. As a result of this damage, plants produce little or no fruit. However, there are two hardy varieties that can be successfully grown in the southern half of the state. ‘Darrow’ produces large fruit on vigorous, erect, thorny canes. ‘Illini Hardy’ bears medium-sized fruit. The fruit are produced on vigorous, erect, thorny canes.

Primocane-bearing blackberry varieties are a new option for home gardeners in Iowa. The canes of primocane-bearing blackberries don’t need to survive the winter as they produce fruit in late summer/early fall on the current year’s growth. Prime-Jim™ and Prime-Jan™ are erect, thorny plants. Fruit are medium-sized, conical, soft, good flavored and glossy black in color. In Iowa, gardeners should prune the canes of Prime-Jim™ and Prime-Jan™ back to ground level in late winter. 

I planted several grapevines last year.  How should they be pruned this spring? 
By the second year, the home gardener should have selected the training system and constructed the appropriate trellis. In early spring, select a vigorous, straight cane and remove all the rest.  Tie the cane securely to the uppermost wire with string. Cut the cane off just above the wire. As the buds begin to swell, select and retain four to six buds in the vicinity of each wire and rub off (remove) all the remaining buds. Later, remove all flower clusters that may form on the shoots. Fruit production at this stage of development will reduce vegetative growth. 
 
If the best cane does not reach the lowest wire on the trellis, it should be pruned back to a point where it is approximately pencil-size in thickness. Weak plants may require a second year to develop a strong trunk. 

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