Q:Β We have two Texas Ranger bushes that are each about 5 feet tall. We were at a local nursery recently to get some information about trimming our trees and the subject of cutting back the bushes came up. The person at the nursery suggested cutting the bushes down this February to only 1 foot high, straight across (almost like a flat-top haircut). That seemed pretty drastic to me and I wanted to get your opinion.
A:Β What your nursery person described is called renovation pruning and it is appropriate for some situations such as when shrubs become too large and you want to improve their aesthetic value. It is a drastic method and shouldnβt be pruned this way every year because it is stressful for the plant. It also works best if you are able and willing to follow up the buzz cut with some selective pruning a few months later. The initial severe cutting of all branches to 12-18 inches above ground will cause a flush of growth in the spring and into the summer. Once this happens it is best to follow up with the selective removal of about 50 percent of the branches at the base to thin out the canopy. Then prune the tops of the remaining branches to different heights, making sure to prune just above outward facing buds to encourage healthy branching to the outside of the plant. If this still seems too drastic or you arenβt interested in cutting your shrubs down to size, you could simply do the selective pruning part without cutting all branches back to the 1-foot level.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Email questions and photos toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
