Pruning is an important horticultural practice for your woody ornamental trees and shrubs. Pruning maintains a plant’s “Three S’s” (Structure, Shape and Size), as well as increases the flowering and overall vitality of your landscape plants.
Late fall, winter, and early spring are the best times of the year for pruning MOST woody ornamentals (small shade trees, flowering trees and flowering shrubs). The cold temperatures eliminate the risk of disease or insects from cutting the plant, and the lack of foliage makes it easier to see the overall structure.
While anyone can lop branches off of a tree or shrub, proper pruning is both an art and a science that requires specific plant knowledge. For example, while cold weather is best for pruning MOST ornamentals, it is not the best time for certain broad leaf evergreens, boxwoods or evergreens. Also, there are specific pruning techniques for specialty plants like hydrangeas, roses, hollies and rhododendrons that can dramatically increase their blooming performance.
If you’re interested in learning more about the basics of pruning, check out this article from our website.
However, if you’re interested in working with trained landscape professionals who are experts in pruning and plant care, and who work under the direction of a Certified Arborist, then give us a call. We’ll get your ornamental trees and shrubs in perfect form!
Be sure to ask about our Bronze, Silver and Gold Plant Health Care Programs. These plant fertility programs will keep your trees, shrubs and perennials in top shape year round. Also, inquire about our new Certified Arborist Plant Care Program, for homeowners with mature landscapes who want a custom, comprehensive plan crafted by a plant expert.
From plant care to lawn care to irrigation to landscape design and installation – Reder Landscaping is the one company that does it all!