When it comes to pruning shrubs, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Learn how, when, and why you should prune your shrubs in Essex County, MA.

Pruning & Trimming Shrubs: The Basics (How and When to Prune, and the Cost of Professional Services)

Pruning is a necessary part of shrub care, but knowing how and when to prune your shrubs can be confusing.

You probably don’t need to prune every shrub in your yard, but if you have overgrown or damaged shrubs, pruning can help them look their best.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re deciding whether or not to prune your shrubs:

1. Pruning can stimulate new growth, so if your shrubs are already overgrown, pruning them may not be the best idea.
2. Pruning can also make shrubs more susceptible to disease and pests, so it’s important only to prune healthy shrubs.
3. Some shrubs (like Lilacs) only bloom on old wood, so if you prune them, you won’t get any flowers.
4. Finally, Massachusetts law requires you to get a permit before pruning any “heritage trees” (trees that are more than 50 years old or on the state’s list of endangered species).

If you’re still not sure whether or not to prune your shrubs, the best thing to do is consult with a professional.

When to Prune

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to prune shrubs, as the best time to prune depends on the type of shrub you’re dealing with.

That being said, there are a few general rules of thumb that can help you figure out when to prune your shrubs:

• Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before they start to bloom. This will help ensure you don’t accidentally cut off any year’s flowers.
• Summer-flowering shrubs can be pruned in the spring or early summer after they’ve finished blooming.
• Fall-flowering shrubs should be pruned in the late summer or early fall after they’ve finished blooming.
• Shrubs that don’t flower can be pruned at any time of year.

How to Prune

There are two main ways to prune shrubs: shearing and thinning.

Shearing is the process of cutting back all of the branches of a shrub to create a uniform shape. This is typically done with hedges, as it gives them a clean, manicured look.

Thinning is the process of selectively removing individual branches from a shrub. This is often done to improve the shrub’s overall shape or to remove damaged or diseased branches.

The type of pruning you’ll need to do will depend on the type of shrub you’re dealing with and your personal preferences.

If you’re not sure how to prune your shrubs, the best thing to do is consult with a professional.

How Often Should You Prune Your Shrubs in Massachusetts?

How often you need to prune your shrubs will depend on the type of shrub, the climate, and your personal preferences.

Generally, most shrubs only need to be pruned once or twice a year. However, some shrubs (like hedges) may need to be pruned more frequently.

The Cost of Professional Services

At Lovely Earth Landscapes, we offer a variety of shrub care services, including pruning & Trimming. Our rates are based on the type of shrub, size, and the extent of the work that needs to be done.

Please contact us today to get a free estimate for our shrub care services.

DIY vs. Professional Shrub Pruning

Pruning your shrubs can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re up for the challenge, you may wonder if hiring a professional is worth it.

There are a few things to consider when making your decision:

• The type of shrub: Some shrubs are easier to prune than others. If you’re dealing with a difficult shrub, it may be best to hire a professional.
• The size of the shrub: Larger shrubs can be more difficult and time-consuming to prune. If you don’t have the time or the patience to deal with a large shrub, it may be best to hire a professional.
• Your experience level: If you’ve never pruned a shrub before, it may be best to hire a professional. Pruning is a delicate process, and it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the shrub.
• The cost: Professional shrub pruning services can be costly. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to try pruning your shrubs yourself.

If you’re still unsure whether to hire a professional, the best thing to do is consult with a landscaping expert.

Talk to a Lovely Earth Landscapes representative today to get expert advice on shrub pruning. We’ll be happy to help you make the best decision for your situation.

We serve many parts of Essex County, including Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Ipswich, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Rowley, Topsfield, West Boxford and West Newbury.