CONTRIBUTED CONTENT: Beyond the shear, Part II

In last week's article, my intention was to establish that whereas shearing has its place in shrub maintenance, it should also be accompanied with proper pruning. Specifically, it should entail the removal of old stems to allow the shrub improved interior sunlight, thus growing new stems from the plants core. This keeps the shrub more even-aged rather than having only old stems and the primary new growth being at the tips where the annual shearing happens.  

One of the procedural tools we have as Arborists to improve the health of overgrown and thick shrubs resulting from years of shearing is to renovate them. Renovation pruning sometimes called rejuvenation pruning, means to severely prune the shrub back. Please understand there are limitations however. Multi-stemmed deciduous shrubs like Burning Bush, lilac, Spirea, Viburnum and Barberry respond very well to renovation pruning. Most needled evergreens like Junipers do not. You also need to consider the age and health of the plant. An old shrub or one in declining health may not respond well either and you can inure it to the point where it won’t return in the spring. When in doubt, we will perform a partial renovation prune.  

As I mentioned earlier, renovation simply means renewing the plant through a severe prune. Late fall, through early spring is the best time to perform this while the plant is dormant.  

Customers unfamiliar with renovation pruning often complain that their landscape shrubs are just getting too big. Many say they are considering removing and replanting new shrubs. Again, renovation pruning can really be an option rather than removing and replacing. Burning Bushes are a great example.  Known for their bright red fall color, they are a common and popular landscape shrub. However, after years of repeated shearing they balloon out of their intended space. Burning Bush can be pruned back harshly. I have taken many six foot tall Burning Bushes sometimes called Fire Bushes, and renovated them down to three foot. Accompanied by proper structure pruning they will come back and thrive at half their original size. I tell people that love the aesthetics of a tightly sheared Burning Bush, fine, keep shearing that perfect globe but every 2-3 years, partially renovate it back to keep it in control. 

I do recommend spring fertilizing after renovation pruning to help the plant have available nutrients as it responds in new growth. 

As always, if you have further tree and shrub questions, need a quote or consultation, give us a call today, 208-762-5800!

For more information on Grace Tree Service, check out our website at gracetreeservice.com.