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As the seasons change and nature comes alive, it's time to give your landscape some much-needed attention. One important aspect of maintaining a beautiful outdoor space is trimming bushes. But is there a wrong time to trim bushes?

As your local landscaping experts in Little Rock, Arkansas, Exterior Solutions is here to shed light on this common question. Grab your gardening gloves and join us on a journey through the seasons as we explore the optimal timing for bush trimming.

The General Rule of Thumb

In general, the best time to trim bushes is during their dormant or resting period. This period varies depending on the specific type of bush or shrub you have in your landscape. Trimming during dormancy promotes healthy growth, reduces stress on the plant, and allows for optimal recovery. However, it's important to remember that different bushes have different growth habits and pruning requirements. Let's delve into the specifics of when to trim common types of bushes.

Spring-Flowering Bushes

Spring-flowering bushes, such as azaleas, lilacs, and forsythia, bloom on old wood, meaning the flower buds form on the previous year's growth. To avoid sacrificing next year's blooms, it's best to trim these bushes immediately after they finish flowering in the spring. This timing allows the plant to develop new growth and set buds for the following year.

Summer-Flowering Bushes

Summer-flowering bushes, including butterfly bush, hydrangea, and rose of Sharon, bloom on new wood, meaning the flower buds form on the current year's growth. These bushes can be trimmed in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This timing ensures that the plants have ample time to develop new growth and produce vibrant blooms during the summer season.

Evergreen Bushes

Evergreen bushes, like boxwood, holly, and juniper, retain their foliage year-round. These bushes can be trimmed during late winter or early spring when they are in their dormant phase. Avoid trimming too late in the spring as new growth may have already started, leading to potential damage or stress to the plant.

Fall-Flowering Bushes

Fall-flowering bushes, such as beautyberry, burning bush, and camellia, bloom on new wood and typically produce flowers in late summer to fall. These bushes can be trimmed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning at this time allows for vigorous growth and encourages abundant blooms during the fall season.

Special Considerations

While the dormant period is generally the ideal time for trimming bushes, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind:

Newly Planted Bushes

Newly planted bushes require a different approach. It's best to avoid trimming them heavily in the first year to allow them to establish strong root systems and focus on growth. Light pruning to shape or remove damaged branches is acceptable, but major pruning should be postponed until the second or third year.

Damaged or Diseased Branches

Regardless of the season, it's important to promptly remove damaged, dead, or diseased branches from your bushes. These branches can attract pests, hinder overall plant health, and detract from the aesthetics of your landscape. Remove them as soon as you notice them, regardless of the time of year.

Spring Growth Control

In some cases, you may need to trim bushes in the spring to control growth and maintain desired size and shape. This is especially true for fast-growing bushes that can quickly become unruly or obstruct walkways. However, be cautious when trimming during the active growth phase, as excessive pruning can impact the plant's ability to produce flowers or recover properly.