Evergreen shrubs and trees are popular as hedges, specimen plants, and for winter interest in the landscape. As with many other plants, pruning helps evergreens stay healthy by removing dead or damaged wood and keeping the branches from getting too crowded. Pruning also maintains an attractive shape and keeps the plants from getting too large.
When to Prune
There are two good times of year for pruning evergreens: early spring after the last frost date or mid-summer during the plants’ semi-dormant period. Pruning in early spring means the new growth will hide pruning cuts. Pruning in mid-summer allows you to shape hedges and get rid of new growth from spring. For flowering broad-leaf evergreens, wait to prune until after they bloom.
Pruning Tips
Plan to remove about 1/3 of the old wood when pruning evergreens. Start by removing the dead, diseased or damaged branches. After that, thin out crowded shoots. Take the time to step back and look at the overall plant several times while cutting. Check to make sure that you’re pruning evenly throughout the plant so it doesn’t look lop-sided when you’re done.
For oversized evergreens, the best way to curtail them is with selective pruning. Chose just a few branches to remove, rather than cutting all the branches back. For most evergreens, cutting back to bare wood does not result in the formation of new side-shoots. The only exception is yews (Taxus spp), which can regrow even if you cut them back to short stubs along the main trunk.
Tools for Pruning
Richardson Saw & Lawnmower carries all the tools you’ll need to trim your evergreens. For major pruning work on larger shrubs or trees, you’ll need a chainsaw or pole pruner. If you’re trimming a hedge, powered hedge trimmers are the tool of choice.
We also carry Corona pruning tools, including hand pruners, loppers and pruning saws. Hand pruners are best for clipping small branches. Most loppers work on branches up to 2 inches in diameter. Pruning saws are good for branches 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Cleaning Tools
Before pruning, it’s a good idea to disinfect cutting tools. A clean pruning cut is less likely to develop disease. Soak cutting tools for 5 minutes in a solution of 1 part household bleach or pine oil cleaner to 3 parts water. Rinse tools with clean water before use.
Remember that evergreens, especially pines, contain sap in the leaves and branches. This sap can gum-up cutting implements. You’ll want to make sure you clean the blades after pruning. If you’re pruning a large number of plants, cleaning might be necessary during the job as well. Paint thinner, rubbing alcohol or WD-40 can be used to remove stubborn sap.
