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Pruning Evergreens in Summer
Summer pruning is a great way to keep your evergreen plants healthy and looking their best. Here’s how to do it:
Why Prune Evergreens in Summer?
- To maintain their shape
- To control their growth
- To remove frost-damaged stems
- To encourage new growth
What You’ll Need
- Pruning shears or loppers
- Pruning saw (optional)
How to Prune Evergreen Shrubs
- Remove old wood. Cut away about a third of the old wood, focusing on crossing and congested branches.
- Cut back to new buds. Trace down the branches to where you see strong, new buds. Cut just above these buds.
- Cut back vigorous sideshoots. Cut back any long, fast-growing sideshoots. This will help keep your plants compact and encourage flowering.
- Encourage compact growth. Cut back any long, unproductive stems. This will help your plants grow more densely and take up less space.
Other Plants You Can Prune in Summer
- Wisteria
- Hydrangeas
- Buddleia
- Lavender
If you’re not sure how to prune a specific plant, it’s always best to consult with a gardening expert.
