Introduction
Mother Nature does an amazing job naturally pruning and trimming shrubs in the forests. However, residential and urban gardens involve excellent trimming, care, and pruning to sustain their beauty and structural integrity.
If you think tree and shrub pruning in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Port Orchard is simply done by clipping at plant stems, you’re wrong! There is a right and a wrong way to prune your shrubs, and this blog aims to discuss just that!
Continue reading as we delve deep into the DOs and DON’Ts of shrub pruning.
When to prune shrubs?
The best time for tree and shrub pruning in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Port Orchard depends on when the plants flower. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind,
- Avoid pruning shrubs in winter that will bloom in spring.
- Prune in late winter when shrubs lose their leaves and become dormant.
- If you live in the northern region, avoid shrub pruning after the middle of August.
- Wait to trim formal hedges until new growth starts.
Shrub Pruning Do’s
1- Do use the right tools for the job.
During shrub and tree pruning in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Tacoma, WA, remember that there’s no “multi-purpose” pruning tool as different plants have different needs. Some examples are,
- Telescope Garden Pruner: Also known as a lopper, this shrub and tree pruning device in Tacoma lets you cut plant stems up to ½ inches in diameter.
- Saws: AKA chainsaws (or pruning saws) are required to trim large branches over 2 inches in diameter.
- Hand Pruner: You can use this small, handheld pair of pruning shears to cut and shape small shrubs and trees accurately.
- Hedge Pruner: This shrub pruning device looks exactly like a pair of scissors and is used to trim and shape hedges and shrubs.
2- Do focus on dead and diseased branches.
Don’t delay shrub pruning and removal in Port Orchard if you notice browning, dying, dead, and diseased branches. Cut them off as soon as possible to minimize the risk of infestation and contamination.
3- Do prune 1/4th of the shrub.
It’s easy to get distracted and prune more than what was required of the overgrowth. But, too much pruning will ruin the plant’s shape, traumatize it, and affect its growth. Top shrub pruning services in Port Orchard recommend staying within 1/4 of the plant.
4- Do use the correct pruning technique.
Always follow the correct pruning method and remember these two key tips while shrub pruning in Gig Harbor:
- Use sharp pruning tools in Tacoma to make clean cuts and avoid harming plants.
- Follow the right pruning techniques. Make heading cuts for unruly stems and thinning cuts for better air circulation. It denses branches and foliage so air and light can penetrate the plants better.
5- Do observe the season/weather.
The best tree and shrub pruning time in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Port Orchard depends on how light or heavy the pruning is. Summer suits light pruning, but aggressive pruning is best done in winter when the shrubs are dormant.
Shrub Pruning Don’ts
1- Don’t prune excessively.
Don’t prune if it isn’t needed, and don’t prune excessively. Good signs for shrub pruning in Tacoma include dead or dying growth, unhealthy growth patterns such as crossing branches, or a need to improve the plant’s health and appearance.
2- Don’t be lazy.
Always stick to a regular tree and shrub pruning schedule in Gig Harbor so overgrowths don’t end up being a safety hazard.
3- Don’t prune in the fall season.
Plants need strength to survive cold, harsh winter months, so it’s best to avoid shrub pruning later in the fall. Freshly trimmed trees and shrubs may not be able to survive the colder temperatures and perish due to unnecessary pruning.
4- Don’t prune flowering shrubs when blooming.
Top tree and shrub pruning experts in Port Orchard strongly suggest homeowners avoid pruning shrubs still producing flowers. The plants should be allowed to continue the blooming period to keep them healthy enough for the next cycle.
5- Don’t prune without a plan.
You need to be strategic with your shrub pruning in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Port Orchard. If not, you could end up making uneven shapes and cuts, which can affect the health of your plants and destroy the look of your landscape.
Final Takeaway
Some may believe that tree and shrub pruning and removal services in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Port Orchard cause damage to the plant, but when done by professionals like Archon Tree, it creates long-term perks that outweigh the immediate damage, including
- Increased safety
- Increased health
- Increased beauty
Founded in 1989, Archon Tree has spent over 25 years in the tree care business. We have a reputation as the area’s leading specialist and a business known for exemplary service, quality workmanship, and long-standing client relationships.
Our qualified arborists have a strong knowledge of proper pruning techniques, safety, and working knowledge of plants, and with them by your side, you won’t have to worry about the DOs and DON’Ts of shrub pruning, ever!
Schedule an appointment with our team today.
