Winter Shrub Renovation

Flowering shrubs that have been in the landscape for many years can gradually lose their original beauty and become overly woody, possibly even too large for their location, and with sparse blooms. These plants may become too tall, or simply too large for their original locations. With patience, many of them can be restored to their original beauty.

Shrubs that have been maintained by shearing for many years can also benefit from renovation. A plant’s new growth is the most vigorous, with many buds. Shearing generally removes the new growth, leaving older wood and fewer buds. Eventually this results in a thin skin of leaves or needles and a dense, woody shrub.

Renovation involves the removal of old wood throughout the shrub. In general, it’s a good idea to remove no more than 1/3 of the branches per year. Branches should be cut down to the base of the plant. In the spring when new green shoots spring up from the base, let them grow- they will become your vigorous new plant. Then repeat the process until all the old wood is gone and you will have a “brand new” shrub, with improved appearance and increased bloom. If you are unsure of where or how much to cut, an experienced landscape company should be able to help.

Winter is the perfect time to renovate shrubs. Since a significant portion of the plant is removed, it is best to do it while the plant is dormant. It’s a good idea to limit any pruning done during the growing season to cosmetic shaping, or removal of dead or diseased branches.

Given several seasons of attention, your renovated shrubs will reward you for your efforts.

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