Is There A Best Time To Prune Evergreen Shrubs?

When is the best time to prune evergreen shrubs? The best time to prune hinges on the type of evergreen shrubs growing in your yard. Here are some thoughts about deciding when the best time to prune evergreen shrubs is to encourage healthy growth.

Benefits of annual pruning
There is no denying that your evergreen shrubs will benefit from a prune job. The primary pluses that a regular pruning schedule gives the bushes that grace your yard are (1) health and longevity, (3) manageability, and (3) enhanced blooming. Indeed, one of the secrets of the loveliest residential landscapes is that the homeowners pull out pruning tools at the right time each year.

When are the right times to prune
The needle bearing shrubs, such as (1) Canadian hemlock, (2) yew, and (3) arborvitae benefit most from an early spring grooming. By pruning the shrub before spring growth is underway, you’ll give it a jump start on new growth. The arborvitae, for example, isn’t a fast grower but can grow as much as three feet within a year if well maintained through correctly timed prunings.

Broadleaf evergreen shrubs, such as (1) azaleas, (2) some rhododendrons, and (3) boxwood, shouldn’t be pruned in early spring. Instead, it’s a good idea to hold off on pruning until after the plant has flowered. You’ll miss the beauty of a blooming bush if you prune too soon.

Experts also recommend that you wait to prune evergreen hedges until late spring. The idea behind waiting to prune is that you’ll have an easier time shaping the evergreen hedge if the new growth is already present.

You can find detailed pruning information for your specific shrub here.

How to treat an overgrown evergreen shrub
Did you inherit a wild mess of a shrub? Pruning is the answer to a thick bush. However, shrubs respond better to a thoughtful maintenance plan versus an overly enthusiastic gardener wielding a pair of pruning shears.

The gardening experts at This Old House believe in the power of thirds when it comes to reviving an overgrown shrub. With this plan, you’ll prune approximately ⅓ of the shrub each year for three years.

Taking the time to prune your evergreen shrubs at the right time helps to ensure the beauty and vitality of these colorful additions to your yard. With a little bit of research into the appropriate pruning schedule for your shrubs, you’ll reap the benefits of an attractive and healthy yard.

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