Plants are a great way to liven up your home or yard. It’s important to remember that they’re living things, which is why pruning is essential to keep them healthy and vibrant. Knowing when and how can be confusing for first-timers, which is why the garden center staff at Sunnyside Greenhouse in Quaker City, OH, want to share some guidance. This will ensure that you tend to your plants at the right time of the year and also use proper techniques.

When to Prune

Many plants—especially outdoor ones—have seasonal needs, so you’ll have to prune them at different points of the year. Spring, for example, is the best time to address grasses, semi-woody perennials, evergreens, and flowers, as it’s peak fertilization for them. A healthy amount of moisture will ensure new growth is lush and beautiful.

When summer arrives, it’s time to prune evergreen and flowering shrubs. Thinning them out will keep insects from nesting, and you may be able to encourage blooming on new growth. Fall and winter are for flowers again, as well as deciduous and evergreen trees. Taking care of them in the cold weather will prepare them to thrive when spring arrives.

How to Prune

Pruning is easier than it seems with the right tools, so visit your local garden center before getting started. For hedges and shrubs, you’ll need to shear the outer growth several inches. While it may feel like you’re destroying the plant, doing so helps it grow back fuller. For flowers, you can pinch and trim, removing oblong shoots on thin stems or dead heads. Use pruners to make a clean cut, especially on secondary branches. Keep in mind what you want the plant to look like because how you trim it will affect its future shape.

For more pruning tips, turn to the garden center staff at Sunnyside Greenhouse. They offer a wide selection of carefully groomed plants and are happy to help customers learn how to properly treat them. Call (740) 489-5060 today to speak with their team, and visit their website to browse products. You can also follow them on Facebook for regular updates.