How to Grow Trimming Overgrown Evergreen Bushes - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Trimming overgrown evergreen bushes is a great way to achieve a neat and tidy look in your landscape. Evergreen shrubs can become overgrown and unruly if they are not trimmed on a regular basis. By trimming your evergreen bushes, you will create a neater appearance and promote new growth.

How to Grow Trimming Overgrown Evergreen Bushes - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • pruning
  • shearing
  • cutting
  • shaping
  • thinning

Good to Know

  • Trimming overgrown evergreen bushes can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
  • It is important to have the proper tools and equipment before beginning the trimming process.
  • Always wear gloves and eye protection when trimming overgrown evergreen bushes.
  • Start by trimming the larger, more overgrown branches first.
  • Work your way down to the smaller branches and leaves.
  • Be careful not to damage the plant or bush while trimming.
  • Try to maintain the natural shape of the bush while trimming.
  • After trimming, clean up any debris and dispose of it properly.
  • Water the evergreen bush well after trimming.
  • Fertilize the bush if needed.

Related plant:
Trimming Holly Bushes

Planting Process

  1. For trimming overgrown evergreen bushes, first step is to assess the bush and determine how much needs to be trimmed.
  2. Second step is to put on gloves and protective clothing.
  3. Third step is to use sharp pruning shears to cut the branches that need to be trimmed.
  4. Fourth step is to clean up any fallen leaves or debris.
  5. Fifth step is to fertilize the bush after trimming.
  6. Sixth step is to water the bush thoroughly.
  7. Seventh step is to mulch around the base of the bush.
  8. Eighth step is to wait a few weeks and then assess the bush to see if anymore trimming is needed.
  9. Ninth step is to trim any new growth as needed.
  10. Finally, step ten is to enjoy your newly trimmed overgrown evergreen bush!

Related plant:
Trimming Blueberry Bushes

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the ground is quite hard and dry, cracked in places. There is an abundance of dead leaves and branches. Some areas are more sandy than others. The base of the bushes is quite dense and root-bound.

About light

So, like the other plants, evergreen bushes need sunlight to grow. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to turn brown and dry out. When trimming evergreen bushes, be sure to leave enough leaves on the branches to provide the plant with the sun it needs.

Good Temperature

The temperature was perfect for working outside. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze. I got to work trimming the evergreen bushes. I was able to trim them back significantly and they look much better now.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity falls below this, the leaves will become dry and begin to fall off. If the humidity rises above this, the leaves will become yellow and begin to drop.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant generally does not require a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer can burn the roots and hurt the plant. A light application of fertilizer in the spring is usually all that is needed.

About light

Pruning is a process of removing dead or overgrown branches from a plant. This helps the plant to focus its energy on new growth and also makes the plant more aesthetically pleasing. When pruning evergreen bushes, it is important to focus on the new growth and not to remove too much of the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources, including seeds, cuttings, and dividing existing plants. Evergreen bushes can be propagated from cuttings taken from the tips of the branches. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Place the cuttings in a container with moistened potting mix and cover the container with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Set the container in a bright, but not sunny, location and keep the potting mix moist. After the cuttings have rooted, which usually takes 4-6 weeks, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate are fairly fast, especially when they are young. However, the speed at which they grow can vary depending on the specific plant and growing conditions. For example, some plants may grow more quickly in full sun than in shade. Additionally, the type of soil and moisture levels can also impact growth rate.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the cuts may not heal properly, and the plant may become infected. It is recommended to wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt to avoid getting cuts. Make sure to disinfect the clippers after each use.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your evergreen bush regularly. They need at least one inch of water per week.
  • Fertilize your evergreen bush twice a year, in spring and fall.
  • Trim your evergreen bush as needed to maintain its shape and size.
  • Do not over-trim your evergreen bush, as this can damage the plant.
  • Prune any dead or diseased branches from your evergreen bush.
  • Avoid using herbicides or pesticides on your evergreen bush.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around your evergreen bush to help retain moisture.
  • Check for pests and diseases regularly, and treat accordingly.
  • Make sure your evergreen bush receives enough sunlight.
  • Do not plant your evergreen bush too close to other plants or structures.

Related Plants

  • Trimming oblong hedge
  • Trimming overgrown iced tea hedge
  • Trimming overgrown dogwood hedge
  • Trimming overgrown clematis hedge
  • Trimming overgrown privet hedge
  • Trimming overgrown boxwood hedge
  • Trimming overgrown holly hedge
  • Trimming overgrown lilac hedge
  • Trimming overgrown Cypress hedge
  • Trimming overgrown yew hedge

Source:
Pruning Evergreens | Cooperative Extension - University of Delaware
Pruning Evergreens - Indiana Yard and Garden - Purdue Consumer ...
A Guide to Successful Pruning, Pruning Evergreen Trees

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category