Pruning Trees and Shrubs

The three main reasons to prune your trees and shrubs are maintenance, plant improvement or for safety concerrns.

Maintenance
With some flowering shrubs, like hydrangeas, if they are not properly they may not produce as many flowers or any flowers at all. Other maintenance pruning includes keeping dense hedges under control and maintaining the desired form of shaped trees and shrubs.

Improvement
In order for your trees and shrubs to flourish it is important to remove dead and dying branches. Many trees and shrubs also produce more flowers and fruit if properly pruned. For many types of trees, late winter/early spring, while they are still dormant, is the best time for pruning. However, some plants like junipers should be pruned during summer months in order to prevent winter damage.

Safety
Dead limbs, trees growing at angles, branches growing around electrical lines, and shrubbery that blocks view from driveways can all cause safety concerns. Weak or dead limbs that have grown over dwellings, walkways or parking areas should be removed immediately. Shrubbery growing at the ends of driveways should be kept trimmed back in order to prevent obscured vision.

For optimal growth it is important to know how and when to prune all of the plants in your yard. Improper pruning can damage or kill trees and shrubs. Contacting a professional can help keep your yard safe and beautiful year round.

For a free gardening maintenance estimate contact us by phone or email at:

E-mail link - pollyhughes@comcast.net
Phone (415) 850-5529: 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday