Often asked: When to trim shrubs?

When should shrubs be cut back?

Pruning Guidelines Prune non-blooming shrubs in late winter/early spring. Do not shear or heavily prune shrubs after July 31st. Prune deciduous trees and fruit trees in late winter/early spring. Prune conifers in late winter/early spring.

What month is best to trim bushes?

Generally speaking, shrubs and trees that bloom on new growth should be pruned in the winter and early spring, while those that bloom on old growth should be pruned in late spring or summer (i.e., after their flowers fade).

What is the best time of year to trim hedges?

Late spring, early fall,or winter (when the hedges are fully dormant) are the best times for pruning hedges. Don’t prune hedges during very hot, dry weather, and prune well before your first frost date. Try to prune on a cloudy day to avoid excessive leaf burn.

When should you not trim hedges?

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.

Can trimming a bush kill it?

Over pruning reduces the foliage that’s available for making food for the rest of the plant and can allow pests and diseases access to the tree, if cuts are made incorrectly. So, although pruning may not kill your plant directly, over pruned trees and shrubs can die as a long term result of the associated stress.

How do you trim overgrown shrubs?

When pruning mature, overgrown shrubs, remove the thickest branches first. Cut them back to the base of the shrub to promote new growth. Hand pruners are useful for smaller branches. Some can handle diameters up to an inch, but long-handled loppers give you leverage to cut branches 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

What month is considered late winter?

When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate.

How do you prune bushes and shrubs?

When pruning bushes, remember what some arborists call the “4 Ds.” Start trimming bushes with the dead and damaged branches, because they make the plant look bad, and encourage rot and disease. Also, cut out wilted, dried or diseased branches as soon as you spot them, to remove disease before it spreads.

Is it too early to trim bushes?

The best time to prune healthy, well-maintained spring-flowering shrubs is immediately after flowering. Prune these shrubs in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Do not prune deciduous shrubs in late summer. Pruning shrubs in August or early September may encourage a late flush of growth.

Is it too late to trim hedges?

Dormant pruning is usually done in late winter, six to 10 weeks before the average last frost in your area. You can prune shrubs at any time of year if it’s necessary—for example, to remove broken branches or dead or diseased wood, or to remove growth that is obstructing a walkway.

When can I cut back evergreen shrubs?

Late spring is an excellent time to prune evergreen shrubs in the landscape. Pruning just after the emergence of the spring growth will provide a basis for helping to shape the plant while retaining the natural look.

Can my Neighbour cut the top of my hedge?

Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don’t like the way it looks, it’s up to you whether you do the work.

How far back can you trim hedges?

Deciduous, formal hedges (those pruned to a definite size and shape), such as privets, that become open and leggy also can be rejuvenated by pruning them back to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground in late winter/early spring.

Can my Neighbour cut my hedge down without permission?

By law you are entitled to cut back the roots and growth of your neighbour’s hedges where they cross into your property, however you are not allowed to cut hedges on their property without permission. Similarly, your neighbour can trim your hedge on their property if it is becoming an issue.