Many property managers and homeowners believe that when bushes or hedges get really overgrown the best solution is to pull them out and plant new (and much smaller!) bushes. There is, however, another option that allows you to save these plants and bring them back to great.
Rejuvenation pruning removes old, overgrown limbs so the plan can generate new, healthy branches. While this is drastic pruning, it can give new life to otherwise healthy plants. Why should you consider rejuvenation pruning?
- It can save you money; pruning typically costs less than replacing the bushes. In addition, new bushes require more water, are less tolerant of weather extremes, and have a weaker root system, meaning you may have to replace the new bushes again if they don’t thrive.
- It ensures safety, creating a strong branch structure and making the plant less susceptible to storm damage. In a commercial setting or near the road or sidewalk, pruning can also improve visibility and make fire hydrants and traffic signs easier to see.
- Is your business sign visible or covered by bushes? You need visitors to be able to find your offices!
- It enhances visual appeal. Pruning can improve the symmetry of the plant, remove weak or spindly branches and encourage new, strong growth.
- It results in a healthier plant. Overgrown plants may only have leaves on the outside edges where the sunlight hits the plant. Rejuvenation pruning opens the center of the plant so sun and air can get to it, encouraging new growth.
What to Expect
Rejuvenation pruning in North Carolina is typically done in late winter or early spring, before the plants begin expending energy to produce leaves and spring growth. The plants are analyzed to determine the best “cut points” to generate new growth and excess small branches are cut away. For a period of time the plants will look like stick bushes, but don’t worry—they usually come back! Within a period of weeks or months, new growth is normally underway. It can take up to a year for the plant to fully round out.
Is rejuvenation pruning the solution for all plants? Unfortunately, no. In cases where the plant is diseased or where too much of the bush is dead, it may make more sense to replace the plant. Ask a landscape professional to look at your plantings to determine whether rejuvenation pruning might be a good option.