It's September! It's still pretty hot and humid but there are still some things we need to do in the yard..................like a little 'gentle' pruning. If you need to prune at all make sure when you do to always prune back to a branch angle which will make your shrub look its best.
Poinsettias can be pruned back now but only a light pruning and it should be completed soon and definitely no later than the first two weeks of September. Pruning now will encourage new growth which will result in more flowers and a much more attractive and fuller plant. Any later than this may interfere or totally prevent blooming.
Hydrangeas may need pruning now to remove old flower heads and dead portions.
Crape myrtles can also be tip pruned to remove old flower clusters. If you do, you it's possible to get a second flush of blooms if pruned early in the month.
Be sure to prune back any branches that might shed flower parts on a driveway, patio, deck or pool area. The flower portions that fall may cause your patio to look as if it has rust spots all over it and......on a daily basis! To remove these spots use pump up hand sprayer and use a mix of a 1/2 and 1/2 solution of bleach and water and spray on the stained area.
Hedges and Shrubs can be pruned or reshaped now. It's best for them to get it done in early September.
Azaleas, camellias or gardenias for these shrubs pruning time is over. Pruning now will prevent blooming in the spring.
Citrus pruning time is also over. Trees are now getting heavy with fruit. You may need to prop up a limb here and there to prevent the limb from breaking off.
Just remember.....
- It's always ok to remove any branch that's in your way, one that is dead or possibly diseased.
- To make your pruning job more attractive, always cut back to a branch angle.
- No pruning paint needed.
- Clean up your pruning tools when you're finished with a weak bleach solution to prevent spread of any problems from one plant to another that might be lurking unnoticed in shrubs and plants.
