How To Know When To Do A Hard Prune On Your Shrubs

Do you want to know when to prune shrubs hard to maximize their health and appearance? Hard pruning is also thought of as rejuvenation pruning since the goal is to encourage new growth. With that said, let’s take a look at when hard pruning your shrubs is in order.

What is hard pruning?
Are you wondering what in the world we mean by hard pruning?  Don’t worry; if you’re a newbie landscaper and you need a refresher on hard pruning, we’ve got you covered. In general, hard pruning means

• Cutting a shrub down until it’s no taller than 6-12 inches above the soil
  
• Removing any dead and dying stems
  
• Pruning every stem way back
  

The primary reason to hard prune is to encourage growth. You’re mostly getting rid of the old stems to replace them with young and flourishing ones.

Shrubs that thrive with hard pruning
Most fast-growing deciduous and multi-stemmed shrubs respond well to hard pruning. It makes sense that they’ll succeed with a hard pruning since they are quick to grow. The long list of shrubs that will reward your hard work with gorgeous new life includes

• Dogwood
  
• Spirea
  
• Honeysuckle
  
• Hydrangea
  
• Lilac
  

A gentler approach to hard pruning
Some gardeners prefer to use a gentler approach to rejuvenation pruning than a regular hard pruning permits. The softer approach to pruning requires that you hard prune the shrub in stages in three years. The gradual thinning increases the sunlight getting into the shrub and promotes new growth. The slow way of hard pruning works best when the bush has multiple stems growing up from the ground.

Finally, gardeners know that the secret to flourishing shrubs is a regular regimen of hard pruning. So, as the snow season begins to give way to early spring next year, do your bushes a favor and perform some hard pruning.

The professional stump removal experts at Buffalo Stump Removal don’t do any hard pruning for a living, but we do know all about finding solutions for your tree stumps. Contact us today for a no hassle approach to tree stump treatment.
​