Shrub Pruning Guide: Rejuvenation, Tip Pruning, and Avoiding Hedge Trimmers

As spring approaches, forsythia's first yellow blooms remind gardeners they've put off pruning. Plants pruned for different reasons: shrub roses annually for new growth making big blossoms; sprouts around fruit tree bases removed to prevent competition; drooping limbs removed for convenience.

Generally, shrubs blooming February–June pruned after flowering. All trees pruned now when dormant, structure visible. Ornamental grasses cut back for new growth. Fruit trees pruned to maximize leaf area. Excellent free pruning publication from county Extension office (1-800-ASKUGA1).

Early March great for pruning shrubs for next season. Coming out of dormancy, shrubs stimulated by warm weather to grow rapidly. Shorten branches now, stubs quickly covered by new growth.

MAJOR REJUVENATION

Old azaleas, ligustrum, Chinese hollies may have severe "bare legs." As they grew larger, foliage above shaded lower limbs, causing death. Best procedure: remove everything down to 12 inches from ground, allow shrub to start over. Drastic but mature root system easily recovers. Within weeks, green buds emerge from stump. When grown 6 inches, clip tip of each, causing resprout. Forms strong, rounded structure. By late summer, stump covered with foliage—shrub more proportional to landscape.

NIPPING AND TIPPING

Maybe shrubs don't need drastic pruning—just a few unruly branches. Use hand pruners, cut at correct spot. Always cut just beyond existing bud or small branch. Shrub repairs cut easily, no stub to invite disease. If entire branch removed, cut back where branch originates from larger limb. If lower branches thinly leafed but sunny, pinch tips of fast-growing twigs. More leaves sprout, fuller appearance.

AVOID HEDGE TRIMMERS

Electric/gas hedge trimmers convenient but rarely good for landscape shrubs. True, you can make "green meatballs" but end up with eggshell of greenery covering interior of brownery. If light can't penetrate inside, no leaves grow there. Insects find protected home; damage leaves gaping brown hole. Rest arms frequently, use hand tools as much as possible.

Shrub Pruning Calendar

pruning