Why Is Trimming and Pruning so Important?

Resource Landscaping wants to provide Star, Meridian, Napa, Eagle, Caldwell, Cuna, and Boise, Idaho, with some great tips for trimming and pruning your yard. 

What is it that makes a home stand out from all the others in the neighborhood? Is it the lush green lawn, the vibrant colored flowerbeds, or the perfectly trimmed trees and shrubs? Of course, it could be all of these things, but one thing for sure is if you have trees and shrubs that are growing in all different directions with dead branches hanging over each other, then it will definitely take away from the curb appeal. That’s why proper trimming and pruning are critical to having a spectacular yard and healthy foliage. 

There are two different ways to maintain your trees and shrubs, and that is trimming and pruning. When branches grow out of control and block areas of your yard from rain and sunlight, it can cause damage. You can alleviate these problems by trimming back the overgrown areas and removing any dead branches. Trimming is also a great way to keep the shape of those hedges that help to give you privacy in your yard. 

Although when you prune trees and plants, you are helping to stimulate new growth. It also can help to remove any diseases that may be trying to overtake your landscaping. Keep in mind that with pruning, you are setting the stage as to how plants and trees will grow and the effect it will have in your yard throughout every season. 

With our years of experience, we thought we would help take the guesswork out of what will give you the best results and give you some tips on how to trim and prune your yard to perfection!  

One of the most significant advantages of pruning is that if you cut those flowering shrubs at the proper time in the season, you can get a fabulous flower show next year. But, of course, you always want to wait until the last bloom falls off, which is usually spring, to get the best results. 

Having the proper tools when pruning is key to having a beautiful, healthy yard. There are different types of pruning tools like hand shears, lopping shears, and bypass pruners. Using the correct pruning tool is the best way to get your yard in shape and create a healthy atmosphere for your shrubs and trees to flourish. So always check with your local garden store when in doubt to ensure you use the right equipment, or a better idea is to have our knowledgeable team do the job for you. 

One of the best go-to pruning tools is hand shears, as they can cut up to ¾” in diameter and easy to use. They are great when pruning those Carolina of Virginia Roses that are great native plants to add to your garden. You also can use them to keep those Inkberry shrubs in line since pruning will allow the sunlight to get to the inside of the plant, so you get the nutrients needed for a healthy growing season. Whereas, a lopping shear will give better results if you are pruning larger branches as it can cut up to a one ¾” branch. 

Have you ever heard of the “4 Ds”? It’s a term arborist use to identify how you should prune a tree. The key is to remove the Damaged, Dead, Diseased and Deranged parts of the tree. Of course, you want to keep your trees looking healthy but keep in mind when trees are left to grow wildly in your yard; you could also be blocking out nutrients from your lawn. Not to mention how it can cause hazardous conditions during a storm if the branch falls off and hits your house. 

When it comes to trimming, just like pruning, you want to have the proper equipment to do the job. For example, when you trim a larger area like a privacy hedge, we suggest a gas trimmer, whereas if you have a smaller shrub, then a cordless handheld will give you great results. When trimming shrubs, you want to always start at the bottom and continue up to the top. In addition, you want the base to be wider than the top, which will allow the sunlight to get in the bottom of the plant and create a healthier environment for your shrubs to flourish. 

If you are trimming older hedges, we suggest the three-year rule: first go to the plant base and remove up to one-third of the stems; repeat this process each year for three years, and the results will be overwhelming. Always remember, never remove more than a third of the plant at any given time. 

When trimming, always use a slow, steady motion and cut only a few inches at a time. You don’t want to trim too much of the inner branches as it can weaken the shrub. An excellent way to see if you are cutting the right height and width is to step back in between trimming and use your hand to brush across the shrub to make sure you are keeping a balanced appearance. If you have a larger hedge, you can put a string between two wood stakes, which will give an estimate on how much height and width you may need to remove.

One of the most important parts of trimming and pruning is to be aware of your surroundings. For example, you never want to put down any equipment with sharp blades if you have children and pets around you. You also want to keep yourself safe by wearing protective gear like goggles and gloves.

Now it’s time for the most cutting-edge suggestion for proper trimming and pruning; let our reliable team provide you with superior lawn maintenance services. We are ready to enhance your home with beautifully trimmed trees and shrubs and make your home the talk of the neighborhood.