When To Cut Back Evergreen Shrubs

So, there I was, pruning my evergreen shrubs like a madwoman, when my neighbor, old Mr. Thompson, pops his head over the fence. "You know," he says, squinting at my handiwork, "those are evergreens. They stay green all year, even when you cut 'em back." I laughed, "Well, Mr. Thompson, I sure hope so, or I've just killed my shrubs!" That got him chuckling, and it got me thinking, when should you cut back evergreen shrubs?

Timing is Everything

Evergreens, as the name suggests, keep their leaves all year round. But that doesn't mean they're immune to a good trim. The key is when you do it. For most evergreens, the best time is late winter or early spring. Why? Well, it gives them time to grow new leaves before the hot summer months. It's like giving them a head start in the growth race.

But What About Those Needles?

You might be wondering, "What about those evergreens with needles? Like pines and spruces?" Great question! These guys are a bit different. They don't grow new needles once the old ones fall off. So, it's best to prune them right after the new growth appears in spring. That way, you're not removing any new needles they've worked hard to grow.

Now, you might be thinking, "But what if I want to prune my evergreens in summer?" Well, my friend, you can. But remember, evergreens use their leaves to photosynthesize and make food. So, if you prune them in summer, you're removing some of their food-making machinery. It's like taking a day off work - they might not mind once in a while, but do it too often, and they'll start to struggle.

Don't Be a Sheep

Ever heard the saying, "Sheep are sheared in spring, so I prune my evergreens in spring"? Yeah, me neither. But you get the point. Just because something is common doesn't mean it's right. Each plant is unique, with its own growth habits and needs. So, do your research. Find out what's best for your specific evergreen. You might be surprised what you learn.

And a Word About Shape

Evergreens are often used for hedges or screens. If that's the case, you might want to give them a good shaping up in late winter or early spring. But remember, evergreens grow from the tips of their branches. So, if you cut back too much, you might end up with a bare branch. It's like cutting off your own fingers to make your hands smaller - not a great idea.

So, there you have it. The when, why, and how of cutting back evergreen shrubs. Remember, timing is everything. And always do your research. After all, you wouldn't want to end up with a bald pine tree, would you? Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some pruning to do. And this time, I'll make sure Mr. Thompson isn't watching.