The ground hog was right.

photinia-x-fraseri-Red-Robin-flower-1000Spring weather is early. For gardens, that means it’s prime time for pruning.

The coldest part of winter has passed and small trees and shrubs are approaching a period of rapid growth. Trimming out old wood, removing weak or diseased parts of the plant, and removing limbs that rub together, for example, will keep the plant healthy and attractive during their upcoming period of peak growth.

Pruning shrubs, such as photinias (photo) and hollies, is beneficial because the plants can be easily shaped without the danger of the new shoot growth being damaged by an unexpected freeze. Another advantage of dormant pruning, or pruning just before growth starts, is that, in the case of deciduous shrubs and trees, it’s easier to make pruning decisions without foliage obscuring the plant’s structure.

What to know:
1) Pruning at the proper time can avoid certain diseases and physiological problems.
2) Shrubs grown for foliage (i.e., photinias and hollies) should be pruned in late winter or early spring.
3) Shrubs that bloom on new growth (roses and crape myrtles) should be pruned before growth begins.
4) Hedges need to be pruned multiple times per season to maintain a manicured look.
5) Deciduous shrubs with multiple stems that can easily become overgrown should receive rejuvenation pruning to bring the plants back to normal size.
6) Pruning improves plant appearance, protects people and property and benefits plant health.

All plants are unique and pruning should be completed with the specific plant in mind.

Schedule your Lambert’s plant health care and pruning appointment now.

Contact Blake Snedaker @ 214-350-8350

February 2016

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