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Community Corner

To Prune or Not to Prune?

Getting those plants and shrubs ready for spring.

This year, plants and shrubs weren't nestled under snow banks, they did, however, have to deal with other winter elements and now is the time to help them recover. It is time to begin cleaning and prepping for that spring and summer garden.

 

 

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Rake, Rake, Rake

 

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There may not have been a lot of precipitation this winter, but it was certainly very windy and cold and this is the ideal weekend to rake away the winter trash, leaves , brush and sticks that could be hindering young sprouts.

 

Separate Perennials

 

You may start to see some early perennial shoots popping out to greet the warmer temperatures and many can be divided at this point if you would like to share the wealth of your gardens with friends or other areas of your landscape. Some perennials, however, prefer fall dividing, so if you are not sure your buds will appreciate your contributions, check with a nursery before unearthing.

 

Inspect Trees and Perennial Shrubs

 

With the trees and perennial shrubs now beginning to show their leaves, these can be signs how they tolerated the winter season and their hardiness.

 

Rhododendrons and other evergreen shrubs should start to spring back shortly. If they are very discolored or dry looking, it might be time to consider replacing. Early spring is the best time to plant shrubs so they can have a long, wet season to get established before the higher summer heat.

 

Woody, healthy plants could really use some pruning this time of year. Be sure to use a sharp and clean pair of hand clippers for this task and your efforts now will help promote disease resistance, retain their shape and aid in increasing thickness of foliage and blossoms in the future.

 

Pruning Tips

 

Note that every plant does have its own growth habit so it is best to research your specific plants, but here are some general tips on pruning:

 

  • Remove dead or storm-damaged branches
  • Remove a branch (i.e. blueberries or roses) if it is rubbing against another to avoid breeding disease

 

  • Never remove more than 1/3 the size of a shrub. Many flowering shrubs only flower at the tips of their branches and by over-pruning you might remove too many viable flower and leaf buds.

 

The forecast calls for a warm long weekend. Why not grab a rake, a pair of clippers, some water and a portable radio and route on the Red Sox in their opening weekend while you work. Your plants will show their appreciation later in the year!

 

 

Information for this column was contributed by Volante Farms, 292 Forest St., Needham, 781-444-2351.

 

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