MADISON – Pruning is one gardening chore that can either strengthen and groom a plant or turn it into a scraggly, twisted heap. Ever heard of ‘crape murder’?

In an upcoming workshop, Master Gardeners of North Alabama will explain the correct procedures.

The pruning workshop will include hands-on demonstration of techniques. The event is scheduled for March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alabama A&M Experiment Station, 372 Walker Lane in Hazel Green.

Advanced Master Gardeners, who are coordinating the session, will explain the best time of year to prune crape myrtles, blueberry bushes, hydrangeas, roses and other assorted shrubs and trees in your landscape.

Their discussions will show the specific part of a tree branch to cut. Participants will see if light trimming of a shrub is preferred, compared to cutting the plant all the way to the ground without harming it. The gardeners will show various types of pruning shears and tools.

Any weekend gardeners or committed landscapers can avoid being “frozen by pruning indecision,” spokesperson Nareatha Studdard said. “Take the mystery out of pruning and join the Master Gardeners of North Alabama for the Basic Pruning Workshop.”

Inexperienced homeowners may want to prune their shrubs and trees but don’t know how to start. “In this workshop, you can earn techniques for pruning and at what time of year to complete this garden chore,” Studdard said.

The workshop will open with a classroom presentation in the morning, followed by a hands-on pruning demonstration in the afternoon.

Advance Master Gardeners, a collective team of pruning experts with knowledge on a variety of shrubs and trees, will lead the session. “Sharpen your pruning tools, pack a lunch and bring a drink,” Studdard said. “Remember to dress in layers.”

The pruning workshop is free. However, seating is limited. Register now at mginfo.org/workshops.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation that has supported the Alabama Cooperative Extension System since 1988. For more information, visit mginfo.org.