Pruning coniferous shrubs and hedges
Most coniferous shrubs need practically no pruning at all, and they cannot be rejuvenated by cutting down. Fast-growing conifers like thujas and yews are an exception and need frequent pruning.
Pruning coniferous shrubs and hedges
Most coniferous shrubs need practically no pruning at all, and they cannot be rejuvenated by cutting down. Fast-growing conifers like thujas and yews are an exception and need frequent pruning.
Pruning yews and thujas
Yews and thujas are an exception and need frequent pruning. While other conifers grow only at the tip of the branch, thujas and yews can develop buds even in the old parts of shoots, which is why they grow faster and also endure cutting well. Often yews and thujas need to be pruned to make them narrower and lower, which should be done in the spring before new growth begins.
Thujas should be pruned again later in the summer (July-August) if you want to limit their growth. If the thuja hasn’t been pruned in a while and you need to reduce its size, do the heavy pruning in early spring, but try to follow the shrub’s natural shape and way of growth.
How and when to prune coniferous hedges?
Coniferous hedges are pruned differently while they are growing and once they have reached the desired height. Hedges are often pruned so that they become thinner upward to ensure light will reach all parts of the hedge. When the hedge has reached its desired height, the pruning is done in the early spring. When the desired height has been reached, the top of the hedge can also be trimmed to keep it from growing.
Pruning coniferous hedges during the growing phase is done in the spring
It’s important to prune your hedge while it’s growing so that it will grow full with no gaps. The hedge is trimmed from the sides to ensure that its sides grow straight. The top of the hedge won’t be pruned at all until it has reached the desired height.
Note! When pruning, only new growth is removed, which can be recognized by its lighter color. Not all new growth should be cut – you should prune away roughly 2/3 of the new growth. If you prune too harshly, the coniferous hedge might turn yellow more easily.
How to save an overgrown coniferous shrub or hedge?
Saving an overgrown conifer is difficult if the shrub hasn’t been pruned in years. Heavy pruning might result in the shrub drying out and dying. Heavy pruning might also make the shrubs look oddly shaped, and the gaps will fill slowly.
Note! The easiest solution might be to replace the overgrown plants with new ones.
