Pruning 101

This is the best time of year to prune, especially to rejuvenate old shrubs, or shrubs that have been sheared to the point that there is little or no growth on the inside of the plant.

Fortunately, most evergreens and flowering shrubs respond exceptionally well to hard pruning (18-24"), if done at this time of year. Some of these include: loropetalum, abelia, azalea, gardenia, hydrangea paniculata, buddleia (butterfly bush). In some cases you will sacrifice blooms (azaleas, for instance), but you will be returned with a much fuller bush within 4 to 9 months, and many more blossoms the following year.

If you have mophead hydrangeas (macrophylla), prune off the dead wood at this time. Oakleaf hydrangeas do not respond well to hard pruning. Neither do junipers.

Many hollies are attacked with hedge shears on a regular basis. Thinning these shrubs to the 'almost naked' stage allows them to regrow quickly, thickly and beautifully.

Of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to have success...absolutely clean, quality pruners to start with; Cut above the eye or bud swell. Always cut the angle away from the bud. If you are trying to keep your shrubs from extending out into the sidewalk, be sure your cuts angle up to the interior or side of plant, not toward the walkway.

Visual instructions:
http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/pruning_shrubs.htm

Or, you can always call Georgia GardenScapes to provide this horticultural service for you!

Snip, snip,
Lyn