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Pruning Shrubs During Drought: Wait Until December

Pruning English laurel, gardenias, and other shrubs now stresses drought-stricken plants by forcing new growth that needs water and may freeze in January. Delay pruning until December when plants are dormant and stress is minimal.

About Gardening: Pruning Overgrown Azaleas and Evergreens: Timing Matters; Camouflaging Over-Pruned Holly Trees: Landscape Solutions; Renewal Pruning Overgrown Bridal Wreath Spirea for Size Control; Pruning Evergreen Shrubs in Zone 5: New Growth Timing for Shape and Size Control; Pruning Ornamental Shrubs: Tools, Timing & Techniques for Health and Beauty; Drought-Tolerant Shrubs: Best Picks for Water-Wise Gardens; Pruning and Deadheading Shrubs: Techniques by Growth Habit; Fall Fertilizing Shrubs During Drought: Skip Until Spring Rains; Deep Pruning Shrubs in Winter Drought: Proper Cuts Minimize Stress; Watering Shrubs During Drought: Efficient Techniques

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