Rejuvenation Pruning Reduces Old, Overgrown Shrubs and Restores Vigor

PURPOSE

·      Rejuvenation Pruning of old overgrown shrubs can help reduce size and restore them to new vigor. Certain shrubs, even though badly overgrown, can be restored by proper use of rejuvenation pruning.

·      Lilac, Privet, Forsythia, Spirea, Potentilla, Viburnum, Cotoneaster, Dogwood, Weigelia, Mockorange, Quince, Burning Bush and Honeysuckle are examples of shrubs that can be renovated.

PROCESS

·      Shrubs are flush cut down to the ground or 1/3 of the large canes are removed to the ground. New growth emerges from the ground in the spring, faster than that of a new shrub because the rejuvenated shrub still has the old full root system.

·      Rejuvenated shrubs are fertilized to ensure recovery and very few shrubs die unless they are already very weak from other factors such as root rot.

·      Flowering may be lost one year in Lilacs, Viburnum and Forsythia, but usually not in Spirea, Potentilla and Privet.

PAY OFF

·      Rejuvenation Pruning will restore plants faster and cheaper than a new planting. This applies in a screening situation where you run the risk of decline in older shrubs used for screening.

·      New shrubs will take time to recover from transplant shock and the cost is usually more, particularly if you want large shrubs for immediate effect.

For an estimate on rejuvenation pruning for your propert, call our office at 517 321-3553 or send us an email at info@smithtree.com