Comments on: Is It Okay To Trim The Bushes Now?

By: Justme

Justme — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:04:36 +0000

depends on the shrub, do you know what it is?

By: VikingLo

VikingLo — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:14:11 +0000

Do it now before all the leaves have come out, well they haven’t in my neck of the woods

By: Geoff G

Geoff G — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:16:27 +0000

Anytime is O.K.

By: Give Aways

Give Aways — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:12:50 +0000

If i moved to new house i would leave the bushes that are flowering till i found what they were and the rest i would just tidy up ready for next season

By: $Billy Ray$ Valentine

$Billy Ray$ Valentine — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:12:32 +0000

You can trim the shrubs now if you would like to tidy things up, but I prefer to wait at least one year with a new garden to see what flowers and when.
The normal rule of thumb is that Spring flowering shrubs are trimmed in the previous fall as they flower on old wood. (last year’s growth).
Summer and fall flowering varieties may be trimmed in the early Spring as they produce flowers on new wood (that year’s growth)
This is the easiest method for beginner gardeners to go by, but it is not always accurate.

By: $Billy Ray$ Valentine

$Billy Ray$ Valentine — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:22:05 +0000

At this time of the year (plants have leafed out) it isn’t recommended. The sap in the vascular system of trees and shrubs will be flowing in order to keep up with new leaf and flower growth. If you prune anything somewhat heavily now, it will “bleed” which isn’t good for the plant. The best time to prune is in the late fall (winter dormancy) or very early spring (before new growth is observed). If however, you just can’t stand the scraggly appearance of your trees and shrubs, you can prune very “lightly” just to shape them up a little to satisfy your aesthetic eye. However, only prune very small branches and twiggy growth at this time. Good luck!…
…$Billy Ray$