There is plenty to do in midsummer in the garden. One of the most important tasks is pruning. New spring growth on boxwoods and hedges has hardened off by midsummer and those can be sheared or hand pruned without stressing the plants. Most azaleas need shaping by June to give them an orderly look. I often say azaleas can look like they are having “bad hair days”. Small trees benefit from tip pruning and light structural pruning to open and lift the canopy that gets droopy from all the new leaves and branches. This pruning also allows more light to the plants growing beneath the trees. Roses look better for the deadheading that is necessary. Wisteria vines are rampant this time of year and a hard prune back to the third vegetative bud is important to perform to reduce growth yet encourage next year’s flower formation. Remember, pruning work is always done for the season ahead.
It can be a lot of work, but is worth it for landscape curb appeal. Your home should be your welcome mat, your trellis to enter through for relaxation. Your landscape and curb can be your first step; the first things you see before breathing just a little easier. And this means pruning and edging. Upkeep is work, but these are the fruits of the labor. Important considerations from Vinings, GA to other parts of the metro Atlanta area.
Marcia Weber
Care to read more on pruning? Read our blog post on front yard landscaping ideas and Bonsai pruning.