Flowering shrubs make our environments and surroundings look beautiful, but they could make the background look ugly and unkempt if not appropriately managed.
The art of trimming flowering shrubs is not something everyone possesses, and as such, it can be not very clear and draining to anyone who doesn't understand.
Shrubs can add volume, depth, and a whole lot of interest to any given landscape, but they leave you with the eternal dilemma of when to trim them.
In today's article, we will be looking at when to trim flowering shrubs so you will know how best to manage your green friends.
Let's get started!
Table of Contents
Why Should You Trim Your Shrubs?
If you are probably wondering why you should trim your flowering shrubs, here are reasons why
- Trimming the shrubs acts as a form of exercise and a very efficient way to relax or reflect on things that might be bothering you
- Trimming also helps beautify the environment further and, in a way, goes to show that there are people who still appreciate agriculture
- Trimming shrubs help ward of rodents and pests that might want to establish a habitat amongst your bushes.
- For specific individuals, too, trimming of shrubs is a great way to show your partner you are quite handy when doing particular tasks around the house. Some also use it to show off their artistic abilities. If you can trim the hedges in the shape of a unicorn, dazzle your neighbors with it.
- Trimming shrubs, too, can help you learn about the different types of shrubs. There are asides from just reading about them in books or on the internet. It allows you to experience the practical side of tending a garden.
Read Also: How to Trim Oregano Plant
When to Trim Flowering Shrubs
Before trying to know when to trim that overgrown shrub of yours, one thing you would have to bear in mind is that different shrubs flower at other times of the year, depending on your weather and geographical layout.
Proper timing will go a long way in ensuring that your plants are attractive, healthy, and still productive after trimming.
When it comes to deciduous shrubs, the best time to trim such plants is heavily determined by how well the plant is growing and its health or condition.
If not attended to over a long period, certain shrubs would require extensive pruning/trimming to rejuvenate the plants. As stated earlier, knowing when to prune your plant depends on your location in the globe.
For an individual based in a temperate climate, the best time to trim your shrubs is at the end of the dry season around March/April. This would enable the trimmed shrubs to take advantage of the first batch of rain to fall as the rainy season comes along.
The first rains that come after the dry season add to the plants' nutrients to ensure they continue to bloom throughout the six-month rainy season.
The first step in knowing when to trim flowering shrubs is to see the type of shrub you intend to trim or prune. Trimming of flowering shrubs goes beyond just using your fingers to pluck off the flowers or a pair of shears.
Once you have ascertained the kind of shrub you want to prune, you would need to execute the best techniques from various techniques to prune/trim your flowering shrubs.
If you are looking just to cut the plants and dispose of them, then you might not worry too much about where you cut the shrubs.
But if you are looking at cutting to replant in a different location, you would need to pay close attention to how you cut the shrubs to get the right branch you would use in replanting. A gentle reminder that if you intend to replant the leaves of cut shrubs, that would be a waste of time.
The best time of the day to trim flowering shrubs is in the early hours of the day before the sun gets too hot. I am sure you would not like the idea of trimming your shrubs under the sweltering heat on a Saturday morning. That is why I would recommend you trim your shrubs between 6 am – 8 am.
The second step is the trimming process involved. To not get bored by the tedious trimming and clearing process, you could use some music to help you keep your focus as you carefully trim off edges and branches that have served their purpose.
The trimming process doesn't take long, depending on the volume of shrubs you intend to trim. It is relatively simple as it involves a singular and straightforward approach of using your shears to chop off certain parts of the shrubs.
The third and final step involves clearing. The clearing is essential, as we all know. We all know everyone admires a tidy and beautiful environment, so you would not want to leave flowers and leaves littered around your environment.
Tools Used In Trimming Flowering Shrubs
When it comes to the tools to be used, all you need are the following
- Trowel
- A pair of shears
- Hand gloves
- Watering can
With these few tools, you should be able to execute the trimming of your shrubs without much difficulty. It requires a lot of patience and carefulness so as not to kill your shrubs.
If you do not feel comfortable or if the volume of shrubs you intend to trim as large in number, you could enlist the help of a friend or relative. This should make trimming flowering shrubs more fun and more comfortable.
Read Also: Is It Good to Trim Bushes in The Fall?
Conclusion
While garden pruning is an old practice used by gardeners of all time, there is no general rule for when to prune flowering shrubs.
When it comes to trimming flowering shrubs, weather and geographical factors play a major role as you do not want to trim first, make a mistake, and have regrets later.
Using this information provided on this subject before taking action will save you a lot of mistakes when trimming your flowering shrubs.
