There are important things to consider when boxwood shrubs are part of your landscape. There are vital steps to keep them healthy and ways to shape and size them as desired. Although we consider boxwood shrubs an ideal shrub because they are winter hardy and deer-resistant, these shrubs do encounter tremendous issues if not taken care of properly.
Branch Tree Service’s 40 plus years of caring for boxwood shrubs allows us to fine tune the care that is needed.
The following information will help you understand the care required to sustain healthy and thriving boxwood shrubs for many years.
When is it the Best Time to Prune Boxwood Shrubs?
The correct timing for thinning and size reduction pruning is in spring to early summer. Although it is a common practice to start shearing boxwoods once they become a bit shaggy, the best time to prune for their vitality is in the Spring. If your boxwoods look a bit untidy during the summer, it is best if you keep any pruning to a very light shearing or use a selective hand method of pruning limb by limb. Aggressive shearing during the summer usually leads to future problems that will show up over the next 2 seasons. Often times when boxwoods appear sickly or start thinning people assume that it is some form of pest or disease. In reality it can be the shearing and pruning at the wrong time that is the culprit! Improper pruning can be as deadly as any pest threat and often times worse than a pest.
Why should you prune your Boxwood Shrubs?
Healthy boxwood shrubs require air flow, sunlight, well drained soils, fertilization, a little shade each day, and healthy foliage (not overly sheared)!
Correct pruning and thinning allows you to control the size and shape of your shrubs without creating a harmful environment for the plants. This will result in healthy plants which are not overgrown and are a tasteful compliment to any home, building or landscape.
Tips for pruning your boxwood shrubs
To control shrub size and for long term health, prune during the spring.
Use hand pruners and lopper style pruning tools to perform inner branch cutting and thinning.
Thin out the inner branches by about one-third.
Make sure each cut is a cluster branch that is helpful to achieving your goals without taking away from the beauty of the shrub.
If using powered shears make sure the blades are sharp.
When shearing with power shears, move slowly, allowing the shears to make clean and healthy cuts.
All this being said - If your boxwood shrubs are important to you and you’re doubting your skills, then avoid any damaging pruning mistakes, call a qualified Arborist.
For those in the Tri-County area of Michigan we welcome you to contact us! Branch Tree Service, Inc. 586 756-7737
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