Pruning Shrubs

Shrubs are often confusing to many people about when to cut and what to cut. Hopefully, I can shed some light on the subject for you.

Common shrubs in our area that these pruning techniques are applicable: Caryopteris, Elderberry, Flowering Quince, Forsythia, Mock Orange, Weigela, Red Twig Dogwood, Potentilla, Spirea.

Pick your style

1.      Whack it back once every three years. The method is effective for rejuvenating old, neglected shrubs. This method should be utilized in late spring.

Pros: quickly rebound with nice rounded form

Cons: sacrifice blooms

2.      Traditional style utilizes the long-established rules to create a balanced branch structure. This method is great for young shrubs.  This method should be utilized in late spring.

Pros: artful contribution to your landscape

Cons: time consuming

3.      Little trim style creates shrubs with a soft, natural appearance. Basically, just trim back the occasional random wild shoot.

Pros: can be done anytime and little risk of frost damage

Cons: may result in a very dense shrub that the center dies back due to the intense branch density

If this is more than you’d like to wrap your head around, we can arrange for skilled pruning in your yard.