Trimming and Pruning
Trimming and Pruning FAQ
What is the difference between pruning and trimming?
These two phrases are commonly used as synonyms; however, there is a difference between pruning and trimming plants. Pruning is evaluating the tree health and structure and reducing any deadwood or branches that might be infected with disease. Pruning promotes better health and growth. Trimming on the other hand, focuses on the plants that have overgrown or rapid growth. Trimming helps bring the plant overall shape.
When should non-flowering shrubs be pruned?
Boxwood, Burning bush and Mugo Pine are examples of non-flowering shrubs. These types of plants are best to be pruned in the winter or early springtime. This will allow us to inspect the structure of the plant material and remove dead wood, diseased branches and/or complete a canopy reduction.
When should shrubs with ongoing blooms be pruned?
Shrubs that have ongoing blooms, such as roses or summerweet should be pruned in the late winter. This will help to rejuvenate the plant and promote growth during the upcoming season.
When should summer and fall blooming shrubs be pruned?
Summer and fall blooming shrubs should be pruned in the late winter or early spring. These types of plants, including certain hydrangeas, spirea, repeat-blooming roses and beautyberry, grow their buds on new wood which occurs in the growing season. So it is best to prune them before they are going to start growing.
When should the evergreen trees be pruned?
The best time to prune an evergreen tree is in the spring. You can also prune an evergreen tree in the mid-summer months when the tree is semi-dormant. These times of year will allow you to see the structure of the trees along with the tree won’t be as hard to cut because the wood won’t have hardened.
When should deciduous and ornamental trees be pruned?
Deciduous and ornamental trees should be pruned in the late fall/winter. With many of the deciduous and ornamental trees you want to maximize the flowering and growth of the tree. Wait until the flowers or fruits have fully bloomed before you prune it for the next year.
When should perennial flowers be pruned?
This depends on the specific flower. Most perennial flowers will be pruned in late fall to prepare them for the summer. Some examples of plants that should be pruned in the late fall are Salvia, Peony, Daylily. However, some flowers prefer their foliage for the winter month so that they can survive. These plants would be pruned in the early spring months. Some examples of plants you would want to prune in the spring would be Coneflowers, Coral Bells, Daisy, and Hostas.
When should ornamental grasses, ground covers and vines be pruned?
The best time to prune ornamental grasses, ground covers and vines is in the late fall months. By this time most of the growing has already happened. Also, with us living in a location that can get heavy snow fall during our winter months, we want to cut it before this so that plant won’t fall or collapse front the weight of the snow.
Your trees and shrubs are the focal point of your landscape, so naturally you want them to be healthy and attractive. Dream Greener’s service professionals are experienced in proper trimming and pruning best practices. We ensure that all types of shrubs, hedges, small trees, perennials, decorative grasses, and ornamental trees retain their desired appearance all year long.
Prune to promote plant health:
- Removal dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage. We only service tree twenty (20′) or under.
- Removal of branches that cross and rub together.
- Removal of branch stubs
Prune to maintain:
- To encourage flower development.
- To maintain a dense hedge.
- To maintain or encourage a desired plant form.
Prune to improve appearance:
Pruning:
- Controls plant size and shape.
- Keeps shrubby evergreens well-proportioned and dense.
- Removes unwanted branches, waterspouts, suckers and undesirable fruiting structures that detract from plant appearance.
Good pruning is both an art and a science
Pruning is arguably one of the best things you can do for a plant if done correctly. Pruning diverts energy from plant endeavors and wood production; this can stimulate the growth of larger flowers. Young shrubs are pruned lightly to encourage them to grow bushier. As shrubs grow and develop. Older plants may require more extensive trimming and neglected plants may require hard pruning. Some plants require thinning or selective pruning to create an airier appearance.
Our Process
Dream Greener’s pruning professionals will remove branches that are rubbing together or interfering with buildings, streets and sidewalks. Weak branches are removed as well as diseased or insect infested limbs. We will also thin branches to increase light penetration and we will also shape the tree to be aesthetically pleasing. Proper trimming and pruning requires knowledge, skill and tools. Our skillful technicians will use a variety of professional tools such as: extension hedge trimmers, loppers, pole pruners, hand pruners and pruning saws while they maintain the carefully shaped appearance you desire.
Timing of Trimming Trees and Shrubs
Good trimming retains the plant’s the natural state of the plant and conforms to your personal style preference. Formal hedges will require multiple pruning visits to keep their neat compact manicured shape. Effective pruning must be done regularly and it is time consuming. We shape and address issues such as diseased or damaged branches and maintaining and monitoring the plants integrity. Fall and Winter is typically the best time do corrective pruning. This is the time when we analyze the structure of your landscape foundation. Lastly, no trimming and pruning job is complete without a thorough clean up. We’ll provide a detailed clean up and haul away debris leaving your property fresh and tidy. When correctly maintained your trees and shrubs add immense value to your property. Dream Greener is ready to provide proper trimming and pruning services that showcases the look and feel of your landscape.
“I was BLOWN AWAY when I got home. Seriously could not be happier!! Very happy to have found Dream Greener and looking forward to using their services throughout the summer and fall. Jon was super responsive, easy to work with, and came right on time. If you are looking for help with your yard, hire Jon and his team!”