Professional Pruning - Tips For Pruning Shrubs

Pruning Shapes
Shrubs have a natural shape they will grow into if left untouched. The more you try to change the shrub's natural shape, the more problems you will have with the shrub. Pruning with the shape of a shrub will make life easier for the both of you. Generally, shrubs with hard leaves are better for pruning hard corners and edges. Shrubs with soft leaves are much better to let fill out and have a more natural appearance.

Pruning Flowering Shrubs
Prune spring flowering shrubs right after blooming. Prune too early and you will miss out on the color. Prune too late and you will remove flower buds which will affect the next bloom.

Stem Removal
Remove all dead, damaged, diseased or poor performing stems. If there are two stems rubbing together or that have grown into one another, make a judgement call and remove the worse off of the two stems.

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Pruning Maintained Hedges
If you have a well maintained hedge, you will need to prune it on the last frost of winter or just after. Remove the fresh green growth on the hedge to have it keep its shape. Some hedges can be maintained by pruning them three times a year, others take much more. 

Pruning Poorly Maintained Hedges
If you have inherited a poorly maintained hedge, you will need make a choice on the height. If you want to lower the height of the hedge a little, then gradually lower it a couple inches further down each time you prune. If the hedge has grown drastically taller than you would like it, you will need to remove up to a third off the top of it. You will need powered pruners and most likely a chainsaw. This will leave your hedge looking rather unpleasant until the top starts too grow back. There is also an increased risk of losing some of your shrubs, so proceed at your own risk. 

Professional Pruning and Landscape Bed Cleanup

GreenSeasons offers professional pruning and landscape bed cleanup in the greater Baton Rouge, greater New Orleans, Slidell, Prairieville, Walker, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Baker, Zachary, Hammond and Covington areas. If you need professional pruning or landscape bed cleanup service, just click here for a free quote  and we will give you a call. 

If you would simply like some advice on pruning or landscape bed cleanup, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.