Searched throughout and still didn’t find whether or not summer is the right time for trimming evergreen bushes. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.
Summer is a great season for trimming; however, different types of bushes respond differently to the hot and dry weather. Read on to know how your evergreen bushes will respond to trimming in the summer heat.
Further, you’ll learn the proper technique and benefits of trimming in the summer.
Trimming Evergreen Bushes in Summer
Trimming evergreen bushes in summer is a good choice. However, the result may vary depending on the type of evergreen bushes and the prevailing weather conditions. Here is a list of benefits that trimming evergreen bushes in summer brings along:
- Proper Growth Season: Summer is a growth period for many evergreen plants. Therefore, trimming during this period helps bushes to recover more quickly as they can redirect their energy and resources towards regrowth.
- Better look: Trimming in summer helps evergreen bushes maintain a neat appearance throughout the growing season.
- Minimizing Disease Spread: Many times, frost leads to pests in bushes. Removing dead and diseased branches during summer can prevent the spread of these pests, contributing to overall plant growth.
- Proper air circulation: Proper trimming in summer improves air circulation within the bush. This helps bushes to refrain from the risk of fungus, also ensuring that all parts of the bush receive sufficient sunlight.
Summer Trimming Techniques for Evergreen Bushes
Trimming evergreen bushes in summer requires carefulness and the use of proper pruning techniques to ensure the health and appearance of the plants. Here are some points enlightening on the same:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Time
The very first step is to opt for the right time and frequency of pruning. The ideal time is to trim your bushes in late spring or early summer before the hottest and driest part of the season. Further, trim only when required to maintain the shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Step 2: Opting for Proper Tools
Next comes the choice of proper tools and equipment. Use sharp shears for small branches and fine cutting. Loopers are helpful for thicker branches. For a professional look, consider using a hedge trimmer, which helps provide cohesiveness among your bushes. Remember to disinfect your tools; this helps avoid the spreading of disease between bushes.
Step 3: Pruning with Technique
Now, you’re ready to prune your evergreen bushes. Here are the key points leading you to a wonderful pruning session, essential for your bush’s look and health.
- Proper Cuts: Make clean, sharp cuts near nodes or close to lateral branch junctions. Remember to remove the stubs as they can rot and lead to disease.
- Removing Diseases and Pests: Carefully check your evergreen bush for pests and diseased branches. Remove skillfully, as a single branch can affect the health of your whole bush.
- Keep it Natural: If you’re not so good at pruning, follow the natural growth pattern of your bush; this will help avoid excess stress and the health of your bushes.
- Thinning: If your bushes are dense, thin out some branches, ensuring proper air circulation and light penetration. This not only helps in flourishing but also prevents fungal issues.
- Aftercare: once you’re done with the above steps, water your bushes, apply a layer of mulch around the bushes, and finally fertilize.
Types of Evergreen Bush to Prune in Summer
- Pine and Spruce: These evergreen bushes respond well to summer trimming. Remember not to do heavy pruning, especially during hot and dry periods; trimming in early summer is best.
- Boxwood and Rhododendron: Trimming these broad-leaf bushes in summer can greatly benefit rejuvenating while portraying their beauty to the utmost.
- Juniper and Cedar: Conifers respond well to hot summer conditions but require extra care and consideration. Therefore, don’t cut aggressively into old and non-leafy branches.
- Holly Bushes: Deciduous evergreen bushes are adaptable to summer trimming, but precaution is required, so whenever you prune, remove the dead branches and check for diseased branches, if any.
Conclusion
Heading towards the end, pruning during the summer season is a good option, but the results vary from species to species. Further, pruning tools and proper technique have a big role to play; therefore, it’s better to think of every way to satisfy results.
Trimming evergreen bushes during summer redirects energy from flowering and fruit production, hence reducing the bloom or fruit count in the same season. It’s better to prune in early summer, especially if your bushes produce flowers and fruits.
Share in the comments was the information sufficient and easy to follow. Feel free to contact us for any queries; we’re just a hand away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Trim During Any Period of Summer?
No, while it may be fruitful for some species, for most, it wouldn’t work. Generally, the best time for trimming during summer is the starting period. Avoid trimming during the hottest days as it stresses evergreen bushes and has other negative impacts too.
How Do You Safely Trim Evergreen Bushes in Summer?
Firstly, refrain from heavy pruning during hot and dry days. It’s better to focus on removing the dead or diseased branches and shaping the bushes. Further, ensure you don’t remove more than 1/3rd of the foliage of the evergreen bushes.
