Pruning Now Leads to Spring Blooming

Your flowering shrubs may not look like they need a trim yet, but NOW is the best time to prune them. Rhododendrons, azaleas, andromedas, viburnum lilacs and forsythia are just some of the shrubs that should be pruned now. These plants are forming next year’s flowering buds right now, so if you prune them in July (when they will look like they need a trim), will you cut them off next year’s flower buds? Tragic! Pruning now means you can reduce or maintain their size and shape, without losing next year’s precious flowers.

Soon it will also be the ideal time to reduce the size of any shrubs that have grown too large for their space. Pruning now means the new growth will have ample time to harden off before the first frost.

Some shrubs that may be in need of reduction include:

• Shrubs like yew, boxwood and mugo pine
• Arborvitae and Juniper
• Most Small trees (up to 20 feet)

Keep in mind that extensive structural pruning on trees should be left until winter where there are no leaves, making it easier to see the internal structure of the trees. This type of pruning is often best left to a professional.

If you do not have summer pruning as part of your contracted maintenance services, please give us a call or contact us and we would be happy to give you a free quote!