Bushes and shrubs can improve the aesthetic of the exterior of our homes and yards, but its important to maintain these plants by pruning.
The Benefits of Pruning
Pruning increases the ability of sunlight to penetrate shrubs and bushes, stimulating flowering and lateral growth. When done correctly, pruning reduces size and improves overall appearance.
When to Prune
“A great many flowering and fruiting plants prefer to be pruned while they are dormant, in late winter through early spring. However, there are some, like spring blooming trees and shrubs, that will start setting new buds as soon as the old buds have fallen,” writes thespruce.com.
Tools
For proper pruning, you’ll need hand clippers, loppers, saws and shears. Secondarily, gloves, safety glasses and sturdy protective shoes are recommended to be worn. This is in case of any unexpected accident occurring during the process.
-Stainless steel hand clippers are best as they reduce corrosion. Most come with hand grips that are comfortable
– Loppers are used on limbs of one-half inch size or more. Their length is variable.
– Saws are used for trimming branches and vary in size and weight according to function.
– Hedge Shears are used to shave or hedge numerous branches with a small diameter.
– Note: Power hedgers are strongly suggested for thicker branches.
Types of Cuts
– Shearing cuts foliage to a uniform shape or height
– Thinning reduces the density of foliage.
– Renewal pruning removes stems and branches from the ground to a few inches above ground. This may be done due to over-growth, reduce pesticide use or remove diseased or dead foliage.
-When pruning, try to keep cuts small and straight, which will promote best wound healing.
Tips On Starting
Generally, Pruning shrubs and bushes, like gardening, is recommended in early spring at the latest. Summer is the season when the blooming process begins for the next calendar year for several shrubs and bushes. Perhaps making a goal to do this activity between April 1 and May 15 would be well advised.
Start by walking around your grounds and remove any unwanted, unsightly, dead or diseased branches and stems. Then, check your tools to make sure they are clean and ready for use. Or, if you don’t have the proper tools, rent them! You can rent a 24″ hand held hedge trimmer and 8′ Pole Hedge Trimmer from Franklin Rental for as little as 4 hours or for as long as a month.
At Franklin Rental, you can rent equipment large and small, by the hour, day or month. Learn more here. Franklin Rental is located at 1516 Columbia Ave, Franklin TN 37064.
