Should I Prune my Plants?

Shrubs and perennials can all benefit from a regular pruning schedule.  All plants flower and grow differently so knowing what type of plant you have is half the battle.  Once you have an understanding of how and when your plants flower you will be able to determine exactly when your plants should be pruned.

BuckAndSonsSpringCleanUp-150x150In general, spring flowering plants should be pruned shortly after the flowers fade in the spring.  As the flowers dwindle new buds start to set for the following season.  Pruning spring flowering shrubs too late in the season may cause fewer flowers or none at all.  Plants such as lilacs, forsythia, fothergilla, weigela, viburnums, azaleas and rhododendrons would all fall in to this category.

Summer flowering shrubs and perennials are a little less finicky on their pruning time but benefit from occasional dead heading through the summer.  Taking off flowers as they bloom will help rejuvenate your plants.  Catmint and salvia have long lasting blooms but will fade through the summer. These types of perennials can be cut back to minimize their size as well as force new blooms.  Shrubs such as summer flowering spirea also benefit from shearing old flowers to help promote new color through the season.  Pruning off the flowers of hydrangeas can also help from flopping over to keep a nice formed plant.  They also make wonderful cut flowers for your home.img-redbud

Evergreens in general do not need much pruning.  Plants such as boxwood, junipers and taxus can be sheared or hand pruned to keep a natural shape after they have put out new growth in the spring or summer.  Arborvitae can also be pruned anytime but may benefit from a summer pruning to keep plants to shape.  Trees such as spruce, firs and pines have different growth methods but in general, should be pruned in late winter.

All plants will grow at different rates and will shape and form differently.  Knowing which plants to prune and when will help give your home wonderful curb appeal.
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