Pruning

Pruning is a necessary step in maintaining your landscaping. Correct knowledge of a plant’s growth cycle is a key consideration for pruning your trees and shrubbery properly. Additionally, routine pruning and tree trimming is crucial for the long-term maintenance of your investment in landscaping.

Different Types of Pruning

Spring flowering trees and shrubs
Whether you’re looking to thin your trees and let more sunlight through, or reduce clutter in your plant beds, reducing density by pruning or tree trimming could give more room in your garden to promote healthy plant growth.

Maintaining Health of Plants & Trees
Removing dead or dying branches and plants increases the longevity of your landscaping by reducing chances of plant diseases spreading, animal or insect infestations.

Size Management with Tree Trimming or Pruning
Tree trimming allows you to maintain your trees or shrubbery without worrying about it growing out of control and end up close to your house or utility lines. Additionally, pruning your plants promotes them reaching their natural plant shape and mature properly.

Structural (subordination) Pruning
Using any of the above methods to improve a plant’s structure and long-term health is vital to maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape that will last for years.

Although there are many different methods to pruning, there are many specific ways to prune for different types of flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, and more. Please see some of our basic guidelines below regarding pruning for different seasons, types of plants, and more below (note: measures depend on exact variety and growth cycle):

Spring flowering trees and shrubs

• Prune for shape within 3-4 weeks after bloom period; later pruning will reduce next spring’s blooms.
• Selective dormant pruning is needed as plants mature to control shape and form. Dormant pruning is technical and best performed by a professional. After maturation, most residential landscapes require some dormant pruning every 2-3 years.

Summer flowering trees and shrubs

• Shape and prune in early spring so that flower buds have time to develop on new growth.
• Selective dormant pruning is needed as plants mature to control shape and form. Dormant pruning is technical and best performed by a professional. After maturation, most residential landscapes require some dormant pruning every 2-3 years.

Dwarf evergreens

• Shape throughout growing season as desired; avoid pruning after September 15.

Perennials and ornamental grasses

• Cut back in spring to within 2” of ground level if left for winter interest.
• Deadhead throughout growing season to encourage rebloom.
• Cut back in fall to within 2” of ground level, unless winter interest is desired.

Groundcovers

• Prune as desired to control height.

Bruss Landscaping installs landscapes with keeping the future of your plants and trees in mind. If you are looking for assistance with pruning, contact us for a maintenance plan here.