🌿 The Art of Shrub Pruning: A Guide to a Healthier, More Beautiful Landscape

At Crawford Lawn Solutions, we believe a well-maintained landscape starts with healthy, properly pruned shrubs. But knowing when and how often to trim can feel like a guessing game. Prune too early, and you might lose blooms; wait too long, and your shrubs can become overgrown and unmanageable. This guide will take the guesswork out of shrub maintenance so you can keep your landscape looking its best year-round.

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🗓️ The Shrub Pruning Calendar

Different types of shrubs require different pruning schedules. Timing is everything when it comes to shaping and encouraging healthy growth.

🌸 Flowering Shrubs: Timing is Key

• Spring-Flowering Shrubs (Lilacs, Forsythia, Rhododendrons, Azaleas): Prune right after they bloom. They bloom on old wood, so late pruning removes next year’s flowers.
• Summer-Flowering Shrubs (Panicle Hydrangeas, Rose of Sharon, Butterfly Bush): Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Exception: Bigleaf Hydrangeas bloom on old wood—only lightly trim after flowering.
• Reblooming Shrubs (Certain Roses, Spirea, Endless Summer Hydrangeas): Deadhead regularly, and do a more thorough trim during winter dormancy.

🌲 Ornamental & Evergreen Shrubs

• Ornamental Shrubs (Boxwood, Barberry, Privet): Primary shaping in late winter or early spring; light summer trims to maintain shape.
• Evergreens (Junipers, Yews, Arborvitae, Hollies): Best pruned in late spring or early summer. Avoid fall pruning to prevent frost damage.

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🌿 Overgrown Shrubs? Rejuvenate Them Right

• Gradual Renewal: Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems each year over three years.
• Hard Pruning: For shrubs like Forsythia or Spirea, cut back to 6–12 inches from the ground in late winter. You’ll sacrifice one season’s blooms but reset the plant’s shape and health.

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🔁 How Often Should You Prune?

• Ornamental Shrubs: Once annually, plus light touch-ups
• Formal Hedges: Every 6–8 weeks during the growing season
• Informal Shrubs: Annually, focusing on plant health

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💡 Pro Tips for Pruning Like a Pro

• Use sharp, clean shears for clean cuts. For basic work, a reliable pair like these hand pruners is a must.
• Cut at a 45° angle just above an outward-facing bud or branch.
• Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to promote airflow and reduce disease risk.
• Avoid late-summer pruning, which causes tender growth susceptible to winter damage.
• For larger jobs, check out this cordless hedge trimmer or the powerful extended reach option.
• Working on dense hedges? Try heavy-duty hedge shears for precision control.
• Don’t forget a safe, sturdy ladder and protective gloves for safe, effective work.
• Bonus: Keep cleanup easy with a collapsible yard waste bag.

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📞 When to Call in the Pros

If your shrubs are overgrown, you’re unsure about techniques, or just want to keep your landscape pristine without the work—our team at Crawford Lawn Solutions is here to help. We tailor our shrub care to fit your property’s unique needs.

• ✔ Shrub pruning & shaping
• ✔ Overgrowth management
• ✔ Seasonal care plans
• ✔ Landscape design & maintenance

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📬 Contact Us

Website: crawfordlawnsolutions.com
Email: garrettc@crawfordlawnsolutions.com

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