Q&A – When is the best time of year to prune boxwood? How do I do it?
Question:
When is the best time of year to prune cone-shaped boxwoods? Also, because I would like them to remain the size they are presently (not get taller, not get wider), how severely do I prune? Do these shrubs need fertilizing? If so, what kind, how much, and when?
Answer:
The best time to prune is in late winter. The best way to prune is selective pruning – go into the plant and cut at the junction of a branch. Most people shear the outside layer of boxwoods, but growth is initiated at the cut point, so it will require frequent pruning to maintain a sheared shape. After doing a soil test to determine the correct amount, fertilize boxwoods with a non-nitrogen fertilizer in the fall. Err on the side of too little.
Related Resources:
Boxwood
Pruning Boxwoods
When is the best time of year to prune cone-shaped boxwoods? Also, because I would like them to remain the size they are presently (not get taller, not get wider), how severely do I prune? Do these shrubs need fertilizing? If so, what kind, how much, and when?
Answer:
The best time to prune is in late winter. The best way to prune is selective pruning – go into the plant and cut at the junction of a branch. Most people shear the outside layer of boxwoods, but growth is initiated at the cut point, so it will require frequent pruning to maintain a sheared shape. After doing a soil test to determine the correct amount, fertilize boxwoods with a non-nitrogen fertilizer in the fall. Err on the side of too little.
Related Resources:
Boxwood
Pruning Boxwoods