Shrubs refer to woody plants that grow from a single stem. Shrubs are typically taller than perennials but shorter than trees. When it comes to your landscape design, most people use shrubs around home foundations, pools, patios and decks, as an aesthetically-pleasing way to provide definition in your landscape while softening the look of hard edges on your property. As an added bonus, shrubs are known for creating privacy in your outdoor space.
At Lawn in Order, we recognize that not all shrubs are equal. It is important to choose shrubs that match your style and preferences as well as meet the maintenance requirements you are willing to take. Whether it is a low-maintenance variety or not, most shrubs require routine trimming or pruning, particularly if you want to extend its lifespan and get the most out of your shrubbery investment.
The Importance of Shrub Trimming
Shrubs need trimming for various reasons related to their health, appearance, and overall maintenance. Here are some common reasons why shrubs require regular trimming:
Controlled Growth
Shrubs naturally grow and expand over time. Trimming helps control their growth by preventing them from becoming overgrown or encroaching on other plants, structures, or walkways. It ensures that the shrub stays within the desired size and shape.
Aesthetic Appeal
Trimming plays a crucial role in maintaining the visual appeal of shrubs and overall landscaping. Regular pruning helps shape the shrub, maintaining a neat and well-maintained appearance. Trimming can enhance the natural form of the shrub or achieve a desired shape or design, contributing to the overall beauty of your garden or landscape.
Health and Vigor
Trimming is important for the health and vitality of shrubs. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches helps prevent the spread of diseases or pests. Trimming also promotes airflow and sunlight penetration throughout the shrub, reducing the risk of fungal infections and allowing for healthy growth.
Encourages Flowering and Fruiting
Many shrubs produce flowers or fruits on new growth. Pruning helps stimulate the growth of new branches, leading to increased blooming or fruiting. Proper trimming techniques, such as removing spent flowers or thinning out branches, can promote better flower production and fruit development.
Structural Strength
Trimming is important for establishing a strong and well-balanced structure in shrubs. Pruning techniques such as selective thinning, removing crossing branches, or correcting branch angles help develop a robust framework. This promotes stability, reduces the risk of breakage, and ensures the long-term health of the shrub.
Renewal and Rejuvenation
In some cases, shrubs can become overgrown, leggy, or unproductive. Trimming can rejuvenate such shrubs by removing old, unproductive branches and stimulating new growth. This helps maintain the shrub’s vitality and ensures its longevity in the landscape.
Safety and Maintenance:
Overgrown shrubs with weak or damaged branches can pose safety hazards, particularly during storms or high winds. Regular trimming helps eliminate hazardous branches, reducing the risk of falling limbs or branches that can cause damage or injury. Trimming also facilitates easier maintenance tasks, such as watering, mulching, or applying fertilizers.
It’s important to note that different shrub species may have specific trimming requirements and preferred timing. Consulting with a professional from Lawn in Order can provide valuable guidance on the appropriate trimming techniques and schedule for your specific shrubs, ensuring optimal results and long-term health.
Why Hire a Professional for Shrub Care and Hedge Trimming?
Shrub trimmer isn’t for everyone. In fact, there are some valued advantages of letting a lawn care company do the job. Professional shrub trimming, performed by experienced landscaper, offers several benefits for the health and aesthetics of your shrubs.
Here are some advantages of professional shrub trimming from Lawn in Order:
Enhanced Appearance: Regular and skillful trimming by professionals helps maintain the desired shape, size, and overall appearance of your shrubs. They can remove overgrown or unsightly branches, ensuring a neat and well-maintained appearance that enhances the curb appeal of your property.
Promotes Health and Growth: Proper trimming techniques performed by professionals promote the health and vitality of your shrubs. Trimming helps remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, preventing the spread of pests or diseases and allowing the shrub to allocate resources more efficiently to healthy growth.
Fosters More Flowering and Fruiting: Many shrubs produce flowers or fruits on new growth. Professional trimming can stimulate the growth of new branches, leading to increased flowering or fruiting. Trimming at the right time and in the correct manner can help maximize the plant’s potential for blooming or bearing fruits.
Controls Size and Spread: Some shrubs have a tendency to grow rapidly or spread aggressively. Professional trimming helps manage the size and spread of shrubs, preventing them from overpowering other plants or encroaching on walkways, windows, or other structures. It ensures the shrub stays within the desired boundaries.
Improved Air Circulation and Sunlight Penetration: Dense, overgrown shrubs can restrict air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases and weaken the plant. By selectively removing excess branches, professionals improve air circulation and allow more sunlight to reach the inner parts of the shrub, promoting healthier growth.
Correct Structural Development: Professional trimming can guide the shrub’s growth and shape its structure. Proper pruning techniques help develop a strong framework of branches and encourage balanced growth. This is especially important for young shrubs, as it helps shape them correctly from an early stage.
Safety and Hazard Prevention: Overgrown shrubs with weak or damaged branches pose safety hazards, especially during storms or high winds. Professional trimming removes hazardous branches, reducing the risk of falling limbs or branches that could damage property or cause injury.
Expert Knowledge and Experience: Professional trimmers possess specialized knowledge and experience in identifying the specific needs of different shrub species. They understand the best pruning techniques, timing, and care requirements for each type of shrub, ensuring optimal results and minimizing the risk of damage.
By hiring Lawn in Order professionals in Decatur for shrub trimming, you can enjoy these benefits while ensuring the health, beauty, and longevity of your shrubs. Remember to communicate your preferences and objectives to the professionals, so they can tailor their trimming approach accordingly.
Top Low Maintenance Shrubs in Georgia
Georgia has a diverse climate, with different regions experiencing varying temperatures and soil conditions. However, there are several low-maintenance shrubs that generally perform well in Georgia’s climate. Here are some options:
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)
- Dwarf Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burford’)
- Dwarf Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Rotunda)
- Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
- Dwarf Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides ‘Radicans’
- Knock Out Rose (Rosa ‘Knock Out’):
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera ‘Dwarf’)
Need help choosing and caring for your new shrubs? Call Lawn in Order. We carefully consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and specific microclimates within your area when selecting plants.
