My Landscape: (2 of 4) Pruning Flowering Shrubs and Trees
February 8th, 2012 -- by JonMoultrieNeglect is not a beautiful thing when it comes to your shrubs.
Over time flowering shrubs and trees that are not pruned will become woody and gradually decrease in flower production. As Realtors, we see this most often in families that are too busy to maintain their landscaping or in homes that have been vacant for some time.
As you know, flowers make quite the impression on curb appeal with a stunning color statement.
When new growth is weak, shrubs are crowded and full of dead wood, flower production decreases. In most cases, shrubs that aren’t producing flowers can be rejuvenated.
What you need:
- Hand pruners
- Loppers
- Small pruning saw
- Safety glasses
- Leather gloves
Extreme Rejuvenation Pruning
In some cases cutting the shrub back severely (3 to 6 inches from the ground) will allow a neglected plant time to grow healthy new shoots. This should be done in late autumn or early spring. As the shrub grows back, thin the shoots as they come in to create a strong base. This type of pruning should only be done once every three years or so.
Avoid rejuvenation pruning with slow growing shrubs. These shrubs should only be pruned lightly never removing more than ¼ of the plant.
Determine flowering time.
Spring bloomers: Prune in early summer after they finish flowering
Summer bloomers: Early Spring (flowers are produced on new shoots)
Remove dead, damaged, and diseased wood.
Prune any wood that isn’t healthy and any that rub against each other. This can be done throughout the year.
Remove the oldest shoots.
Cut 1/3 of the oldest shoots back to the ground at the right pruning time. This allows for growth of more new shoots, which means more flowers.
Common Shrubs in the Mid-South
Full-Sun
Crepe Myrtles are a popular shrub/tree in the Mid-South that requires full sun. Pruning should be done in late fall or early spring.
Forsythia is a great bright yellow spring bloomer.
Knockout Roses are beautiful and easy to grow. A must for backyards and sides of houses.
Partial Sun
Camellias and Azaleas – varieties vary, but most enjoy afternoon sun. Colors can be chosen to add interest to any landscape.
Shade
Hydrangeas – colors vary based on pH level of soil. Consult your local nursery to determine ways to get the color you want.
Remember, the yard work you do today will help sell your house tomorrow.
Related articles
- Tips on pruning: What to prune, how and when. (blogs.vancouversun.com)
- Winter is a good time to prune most shrubs (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Force Spring Flowering Branches Indoors (yardlovertimes.com)
Tags: buying a home in Arlington, Homes for sale in Memphis, pruning flowering shrubs, rejunvenating landscape, TN, using flowers to improve landscape