Revive Overgrown Deciduous Shrubs with Rejuvenation Pruning
Gardeners can breathe new news into overgrown deciduous shrubs through a process called rejuvenation pruning. This technique, involving a phased removal of old stems, is particularly effective on plants like lilac, forsythia, spirea, and butterfly bush. However, it's crucial to understand that this method isn't suitable for all shrubs, especially large evergreens with bare or dead centers.
Rejuvenation pruning involves cutting back overgrown deciduous shrubs to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground in late winter or early spring. This may seem drastic, but it encourages new growth from the base, renewing the plant's overall health and appearance. Many deciduous shrubs can be kept healthy by removing a few of the largest, oldest stems every 2 or 3 years.
Shrubs are valuable assets to any landscape, providing ornamental characteristics, privacy, and attracting wildlife. Rejuvenation pruning is an effective way to maintain the health and beauty of deciduous shrubs, but it's important to understand the specific needs of each plant to ensure the best results.
