If you own a commercial property or home you probably have started thinking about trimming the bushes in your yard. After all, the weather is starting to get warmer and no one wants an unsightly overgrown shrub taking over their landscaping situation.
But if that’s you, be warned … trimming bushes is more than just picking up some shears and cutting off branches indiscriminately
If you want to do things right and not make your landscaping situation worse you need to know some things. Things that will benefit your yard and home’s curb appeal.
Here are just 5 do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of before you begin to machete your way through that suburban jungle of yours:
1. DON’T prune more than 1/3 of any plant at any time.
Hey, we can’t blame you. You get a trimmer or set of shears in your hands and who doesn’t want to go a little crazy with them? But, if you do it will shock your plant and/or bush.
If that happens your prized plant may not bounce back … EVER!
We know it will take restraint but keep the cutting down to a minimum.
2. DON’T prune flowering shrubs or trees in mid or late fall.
Trimming and pruning in the fall may seem to make sense but it is that time of year when flowering plants start budding for next season. Colder weather is on its way so when plants get ready to go into hibernation you don’t want to disturb that delicate process
3. DO prune dead or diseased branches off of any tree or shrub as soon as possible.
News flash … disease is bad for your plants and trees. If you see something that’s not right cut it off before it spreads.
If it’s dead cut it off too! Whatever killed that branch may be ready to spread to the healthy ones. Also, by trimming dead branches you will help your plant or tree conserve needed energy for new growth.
4. DO trim in the late winter when trees and shrubs are fully dormant.
Late winter is one of the best times to trim most non flowering plants (with some exceptions – see our next DO).
5. DO Trim flowering shrubs, bushes and trees shortly after they are done flowering.
Trimming these type of plants at this time of year will help ensure that you don’t take off next years flowers. No one wants a flowering bush that doesn’t flower!
Trim off the old flowers as early as you can so next year you are assured of some great new growth and beauty. (Side note: Most plants flower in spring however, some flower in mid to late summer)
If you abide by these Do’s and Don’ts when trimming bushes and trees in your yard you will help improve the beauty of your property while strengthening the health of your plants.
Of course, there are many more Do’s and Don’ts than these 5 so the best thing may be to hire a trained professional like New Life who will keep a watchful eye on your landscaping needs year-round.
Get a FREE estimate from New Life today. You’ll be happy you did!