By this point in the summer, your trees and shrubs have put on plenty of new growth. Branches may be crowding walkways, covering windows, rubbing against the house, or simply making parts of your landscape look overgrown.
That does not mean everything should be cut back. Different plants need to be pruned at different times, and pruning too much or at the wrong point in the growing season can affect a plant’s health, shape, and future flowering.
For certain trees and shrubs, however, now is a good time for selective summer pruning.
Summer Growth Makes Problem Areas Easier to See
Once trees and shrubs have filled out, it becomes much easier to see where growth is becoming a problem.
Branches may be crossing or rubbing against each other. Suckers and fast-growing water sprouts may be appearing. Shrubs that looked fine in the spring may now be blocking a walkway, growing against the house, or crowding neighboring plants.
Selective pruning can remove problem growth and bring the plant back under control without cutting away more than necessary.
What Can Be Pruned Now?
Dead, broken, or damaged branches can generally be removed whenever they are found. Taking care of these areas keeps damaged limbs from becoming a larger problem and improves the overall appearance of the plant.
Summer may also be a good time to:
- Remove water sprouts and unwanted suckers
- Cut out branches that are crossing or rubbing
- Thin crowded areas to improve light and airflow
- Remove branches interfering with buildings or walkways
- Complete limited pruning on certain flowering and fruit trees
- Make careful corrections to the size or shape of selected shrubs
The important word is selected. Summer pruning should be based on the type of plant, its condition, how it grows, and what the pruning is meant to accomplish.
Not the Time to Cut Everything Back
When a shrub looks overgrown, it can be tempting to grab the hedge trimmers and take several inches off every side. That may make the plant smaller temporarily, but it does not necessarily improve its structure or long-term appearance.
Heavy pruning can stress a plant and may encourage new growth that does not have enough time to strengthen before winter. Pruning a flowering shrub at the wrong time can also remove buds that would have produced next year’s flowers.
Some plants benefit from summer pruning. Others should be left alone until they are dormant. Knowing the difference is one of the biggest reasons to have the work done professionally.
Professional Pruning is More Than Just Trimming
Good pruning starts with understanding the plant and deciding what actually needs to be removed.
The AC Yard Services team can identify the trees and shrubs on your property, determine whether this is the right time to prune them, and choose the proper method for each plant. We focus on removing the right growth while maintaining a natural, balanced shape.
We also have the tools and equipment to handle everything from detailed hand pruning to larger branches and overgrown areas. Once the work is finished, we clean up and haul away the branches and debris, leaving your property looking neater and more manageable.
Schedule Your Pruning with Us
If shrubs and small trees around your property are looking overgrown, crowding other areas, or simply in need of attention, now is a good time to have them assessed.
Please Contact AC Yard Services to schedule professional pruning – we’ll determine what can be pruned now, what should wait, and what your plants need to keep your landscape looking its best.
