When should shrubs be cut back?

The best time to rejuvenate large, overgrown shrubs is late winter or early spring (March or early April). Heavy pruning in late winter or early spring will reduce or eliminate the flower display for 2 or 3 years. However, rejuvenation pruning will restore the health of the shrubs.

Should you trim shrubs in fall or spring?

After “how?”, the second most-asked question we get about pruning is “when?” (Or, “Can I prune this now?”) The rule of thumb is to prune immediately after bloom for flowering shrubs, in late winter or early spring for non-blooming shrubs (particularly for heavy pruning), and not after mid-August for any shrubs.

What is the best time of year to trim hedges?

Ideally, late winter and early spring are the best times to cut back an overgrown hedge. Summer is best for trims that maintain their shape and height.

Is it OK to trim bushes in summer?

Bushes that flower in the summer bloom on growth from the current growing season. … You can prune these bushes after flowering to improve their shape if you need to; you won’t be removing buds they need for the next growing season, but summer pruning of these shrubs will still decrease foliage growth.

Can I trim bushes in November?

If you want to prune in fall, wait until trees drop their leaves and are dormant—usually October or November. … Dormancy (especially late winter to early spring) is also a good time to prune evergreens because vigorous spring growth will hide pruning wounds.

What month is late winter?

When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate.

Can I trim hedges in June?

In summer, trim side branches lightly to encourage bushing out. In the second year (February to March) cut back growth by half. Throughout the second summer, trim side branches to maintain sides that taper towards the top. In the second autumn, cut the topmost branch (‘leading shoot’) to the desired hedge height.

Can you cut bushes in June?

Prune shrubs that flower before mid-June after they flower. For these spring-blooming beauties, remove the largest stems, cutting them back to the ground. This causes the plant to push out new growth from both the crown and all remaining stems. Prune any other stems to shorten or shape the shrub.

Can I trim my bushes in July?

Now and through the summer months is the time to do any major pruning or cutting back of shrubs and trees. With the fast, summer growth rate upon us the plants will regrow and look beautiful for next fall season.

Can you cut hedges in April?

Hedge cutting and the law

We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. … If someone is cutting a hedge during this period, speak to them and politely mention the risk to birds’ nests, and the laws protecting nests.

Can I trim my hedges now?

If you’re wondering when to trim your hedges, it’s usually done sometime between spring and summer. You do, however, have to take into account potential nesting birds as nesting season may run from March to August.