Landscaping is a great way to ensure your lawn is kept cleaned and maintained. One of the biggest landscaping projects you have is shrub pruning. Shrub pruning helps keep an organized landscape and keeps your shrubs healthy.
What Is Pruning?
Pruning is the process of selectively removing plant parts. This process is often used to help remove diseased or dying limbs or limbs that have been infested by insects. Damaged branches should be removed as fast as possible to protect the rest of your shrubs.
Starting your pruning project early helps your shrubs grow fuller and healthier. Regular shrub pruning reduces the amount of work put into shrub upkeep and the stress on the shrubs. Pruning can also remove larger branches that hang over walkways or other such areas.
When Should You Start Pruning?
Homeowners should start pruning their shrubs as soon as they’re planted. Pruning for shape isn’t necessary until after the first winter. However, keeping an ongoing pruning project ensures that you’ll notice any differences in your tree branches.
As for what time of year you should start your pruning, most shrubs benefit from pruning in mid to late winter. Pruning into the fall can introduce disease to your shrubs and should be avoided. The best way to know when to prune your shrubs is to work with a landscaping company. Professional landscaping companies can help you decide when the best time to prune your shrubs is.
Pruning Methods
There are multiple options to prune your shrubs. These include:
- Heading Back
- Renewal
- Rejuvenation
- Shearing
Heading back helps to scale back the size of your shrubs. This option is best done when growth is done to create a balanced shrub.
A renewal project focuses on removing overgrown and dying branches on your shrubs. This is usually a longer process over 3-4 years, where 1/3 of the shrub is removed each time. A renewal pruning project results in more vigorous shrubs and can result in better flowering.
Old, neglected shrubs will benefit from a rejuvenation project. These shrubs are pruned down to the stems or canes at ground level. Forsythia, weigela, privet, honeysuckle, and other shrubs respond very well to this treatment. Rejuvenation pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.
Lastly, shearing is done when a formal hedge is needed. The top of the hedge is narrower than the base, which allows sunlight to read the lower branches. To ensure your shearing is done correctly, it’s best to do this when new growth is complete.
Work With Professionals
Working with shrub pruning experts is the best way to ensure you’re getting the pruning options you need. The landscaping experts at Organic Solutions! Inc. offer multiple shrub pruning options to ensure your lawn is kept in great shape. To learn more about the best shrub pruning options for your property in Meridian, call Organic Solutions! Inc. at 208-884-8986 to speak to our landscaping expert today.
