Advanced Techniques for Extreme Pruning- Mastering the Art of Severely Pruning Boxwoods

How to Severely Prune Boxwood: A Comprehensive Guide

Severely pruning boxwood is a task that requires precision and patience. Boxwoods are popular ornamental shrubs known for their dense, glossy foliage and ability to take on various shapes and sizes. However, to maintain their health and shape, they require regular pruning. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to severely prune boxwood, ensuring that your shrubs remain vibrant and well-maintained.

Understanding the Purpose of Pruning

Before diving into the pruning process, it’s essential to understand the purpose of pruning boxwood. Severely pruning boxwood serves several purposes:

1. Encouraging new growth: Pruning stimulates new growth, which helps to fill in any gaps or thin areas in the shrub.
2. Maintaining shape: Pruning allows you to maintain the desired shape and size of your boxwood.
3. Promoting health: Regular pruning removes dead or diseased branches, which helps to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
4. Improving air circulation: Pruning helps to improve air circulation within the shrub, reducing the risk of fungal infections.

When to Prune Boxwood

The best time to prune boxwood is during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing ensures that the plant has enough time to heal before the growing season. Pruning during this period also minimizes the risk of fungal diseases that can be exacerbated by wet weather.

Tools and Materials Needed

To successfully prune your boxwood, you will need the following tools and materials:

1. Pruning shears or scissors: Ensure that your pruning shears are sharp and clean to prevent damaging the plant.
2. Pruning gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp branches.
3. Pruning paint or sealer: Apply this to any cuts to prevent fungal infections.
4. Rake or leaf blower: Clean up any fallen leaves or debris after pruning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Severely Prune Boxwood

1. Assess the Boxwood: Begin by assessing the overall shape and health of your boxwood. Identify any dead, diseased, or damaged branches that need to be removed.
2. Start with Deadwood: Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Use pruning shears to make clean cuts at the base of the branch.
3. Prune for Shape: Once the deadwood is removed, start shaping your boxwood. Begin by removing any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
4. Reduce the Size: If your boxwood is too large, it’s time to reduce its size. Begin by removing the outer branches, gradually working your way inward. Make clean cuts at the base of the branch.
5. Thicken the Center: To encourage a thick, dense center, prune the inner branches. This will promote new growth and create a fuller appearance.
6. Final Touches: After removing the majority of the branches, trim any remaining branches to maintain the desired shape. Be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface.
7. Apply Pruning Paint: Once all cuts have been made, apply pruning paint or sealer to any exposed cuts. This will help to prevent fungal infections.

Care After Pruning

After severely pruning your boxwood, it’s crucial to care for the plant to ensure its recovery and growth. Here are some tips:

1. Water the boxwood thoroughly after pruning to help it recover.
2. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
3. Monitor the plant for signs of pests or diseases and treat accordingly.

By following this comprehensive guide on how to severely prune boxwood, you can ensure that your shrubs remain healthy, vibrant, and beautifully shaped. Happy pruning!