Renewal Pruning

Renewal Pruning

Renewal pruning is a gentler approach to dealing with an overgrown shrub, but it is a process that takes several years. In renewal pruning, about one-third of older wood is removed each season over three years, primarily by using thinning cuts back to the crown or main stem. This approach maintains the overall shape of the shrub while reducing its volume and height over time. In response to this pruning, and as light is allowed to penetrate the canopy, many new shoots may be initiated. As in rejuvenation pruning, these new shoots will need to be thinned. Although renewal pruning takes longer to complete, the visual impact on the landscape is much less than rejuvenation pruning.

Many shrubs respond well to pruning

• Azalea, Barberry Beautybush, Cinquefoil,

• Pyracantha, Forsythia, Honeysuckle, Hydrangea,

• Lilac, Mockorange, Privet (use a 4-year cycle),

• Flowering quince, Spirea, and Weigela

• Boxwood, Cherry laurel, and Rhododendron.

Conclusion

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and avoiding the problem of overgrown shrubs is easy to do. First and foremost, make sure to fit the plant to the site. Don’t force a shrub species to fit into a space that is too small for its natural growth pattern or vigor.  Then maintain the proper size of shrubs using appropriate thinning and heading cuts as needed to manage shrub growth, size and health.