If you have shrubs in your garden, then you are very lucky! Besides making beautiful decor, they have the ability to provide privacy. Isn’t that great? You’ll be able to enjoy time peacefully in your yard without any eyes looking in!
But there is one thing that you’ll absolutely need to do this fall – prune your shrubs. I must admit that since I started trimming them, my shrubs have become healthier and thrive throughout the season.
But there’s a little catch. You need to be careful which shrubs you prune because not every shrub should be trimmed in the fall! By accidentally cutting them back, more damage can be done.
That’s why I want to show you the list of shrubs that can be trimmed, but also the ones that your pruners need to stay away from!
Which Shrubs Are The Top Candidates For Your Fall Pruning?
Which shrubs can be pruned in the fall? Start with trimming your roses, hydrangeas, phlox, peonies, lavender, and butterfly bushes! You’ll be able to spot the difference next spring with just a little trim.
I also want you to know about the shrubs that you should not trim this fall and prevent a terrible mistake from happening! This list includes rhododendrons, azaleas, beautyberry, burning bush, Japanese spirea, and Rose of Sharon.
They usually benefit from early spring to late winter pruning right before new growth starts. That’s why these shrubs can’t be pruned in the fall, because there’s a possibility that the colder weather could damage them to the point of not blooming again!
Since there are shrubs that you can cut back this fall, you’ll need some tricks to do the work right! I’ve got your back with some awesome tips that will be helpful.
Take A Look At The Amazing Trimming Methods You’ll Need To Use
The first thing you’ll need to do is clean your shears before pruning. I always disinfect my gardening tools before and after I use them!
There’s only one right way to prune your shrubs in the fall, which is light thinning. You’ll be able to do the work easily because the leaves have already wilted, and cuts are going to be more precise!
Make sure to cut all the diseased or damaged leaves to encourage new growth. The inner limbs need air and sunlight, so cut back along the branch just above new growth or at the plant’s base.
You’ll need to prune only one-third of the shrub each year. If you use these tricks on your shrubs, you’ll get the most beautiful landscape next season.
Once the pruning is done, shrubs will need protection for the upcoming winter! The best way to keep them safe when frosty days arrive is by adding a few layers of mulch. You can use lightweight materials such as chopped leaves or pine straw!
Mulch will work like the coziest blanket, preventing your shrubs from freezing.
You are not done with pruning this fall, as there are still a few shrubs that need a little haircut! With these easy tricks I’ve shown you, the trimming will be done in the right way.
Even though most shrubs need to be cut back in the spring or winter, these special ones from the list will benefit from a trim in the fall! Now take your shears and start pruning your shrubs to see them the healthiest they’ve ever been.
Good luck!