Shrub Pruning

Pruning shrubs can improve plant vigor and increase flower size and abundance.  Aside from having healthier and more beautiful looking shrubs, pruning provides opportunity for the removal of dead, damaged and diseased parts.  Pruning also offers the chance to cut-back large branches or entirely remove older stems that may have out-grown their allotted space thus rejuvenating an otherwise over-grown plant.  Every variety of shrub has a distinct growth habit or pattern of branch development, being able to identify this structure and understand its response to different pruning techniques is essential for assisting in healthy plant development and preservation.  North Eastern Tree Care is the home of Board Certified Master Arborists, Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals and Master Gardeners who are well versed in the proper pruning techniques to bring your landscape to the next level.

Perennial woody shrubs are often the showiest plants in the landscape providing variety in leaf color, size and texture.  Their flowers are often the first sign of spring, they bloom all through summer and offer the last glimpse of fall.  Improper pruning can have a lasting effect on a shrubs health and beauty, protecting your investment by hiring the experts at North Eastern Tree Care who understand each plants needs and response to different pruning techniques is a priority.

There are several windows of opportunity within each shrubs annual growth cycle that allow for different types of pruning.  The professionals at North Eastern Tree Care can show you how the winter months are the best time for structural pruning, heavily reducing a shrubs size, removing large older parts or re-establishing a neglected older plant. Plants expend most of their stored energy in spring producing leaves which are their primary food source.  It is critical that plants recapture dissipated energy from their foliage through the growing season, for this reason all moderate to heavy pruning should be completed when the plants are dormant.  For spring flowering shrubs, light canopy shaping or reduction pruning cuts can be made immediately after the plants bloom which generally allows enough time for new leaves and flower buds to mature for next year flowers.  Mid-summer allows for dead-heading spent flowers, light shaping of established shrubs and removing any exceptionally vigorous sprouts.  Meet with your North Eastern Tree Care professional today who can guide you through the proper pruning techniques that your shrubs need to thrive.

• Avoid Insect Damage: pruning cuts made in the dormant season are much less likely to attract invasive plant-damaging insects.
• Prevent the Spread of Disease: Removal of dead and diseased branches and canopy thinning during the dormant season helps to prevent the spread of most diseases and the increased circulation and sunlight penetration will benefit your shrubs next spring.