Pruning evergreen shrubs is essential for maintaining their shape, encouraging healthy growth, and preventing them from becoming overgrown or too dense. However, evergreens require careful pruning to avoid damaging their appearance or health. Here’s a guide on how and when to prune an evergreen shrub:
When to Prune Evergreen Shrubs
1. 
Late Winter to Early Spring (February to March)
Late Winter to Early Spring (February to March)- Best for structural pruning: This is the ideal time for more significant pruning, as the shrub is dormant. Pruning before new growth begins allows the plant to recover quickly in the growing season. In Columbus, Ohio, late winter to early spring is the best time for shaping and thinning evergreens without stimulating new growth that could be damaged by frost.
2. Mid-Summer (June to July)
- Light pruning only: If your evergreen shrub has become a bit unruly during the growing season, light pruning can be done in the summer after the initial growth spurt. This helps maintain its shape without encouraging excessive new growth that could weaken the plant as it prepares for the cooler months.
3. Avoid Fall Pruning (September to November)
- No heavy pruning in fall: Avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as it can stimulate new growth that won’t have time to harden off before winter, making the plant more vulnerable to damage from cold weather.
How to Prune Evergreen Shrubs
- Use the Right Tools:
- Sharp hand pruners for small branches.
- Loppers for medium branches.
- Hedge shears for shaping.
- A pruning saw for thick branches.
- Start with Dead or Diseased Branches:
- Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This helps prevent the spread of disease and allows the shrub to focus its energy on healthy growth.
- Shape the Shrub:
- Prune for shape by trimming back any branches that are growing unevenly or disrupting the natural form of the shrub. Cut branches back to just above a bud or side shoot to promote new, balanced growth.
- Tip: For cone-shaped or round shrubs, maintain their natural form by trimming the outermost branches lightly.
- Thinning:
- Thinning helps improve airflow and light penetration, which is especially important for dense evergreens. Selectively remove entire branches from crowded areas, cutting back to the main stem or trunk.
- Avoid shearing the shrub into tight, dense forms as this can lead to a lack of light in the interior of the plant, causing inner branches to die off.
- Avoid Cutting into the Dead Zone:
- Evergreen shrubs do not recover well if you cut back into the “dead zone,” or the older, brown, leafless interior of the plant. Always leave some green foliage to ensure the shrub continues growing healthily.
Shape the Shrub:
Common Evergreen Shrubs and Specific Tips
- Boxwood: Trim in late winter or early spring, and maintain its shape with light pruning in summer. Avoid heavy pruning in fall.
- Yew: These tolerate heavier pruning, but don’t cut into the dead zone. Late winter pruning is ideal.
- Arborvitae: Best pruned lightly in early spring, as cutting too deeply into the older wood can leave bare spots that don’t regrow.
- Juniper: Prune only lightly in late winter or early spring. They can tolerate some trimming, but over-pruning can lead to permanent bare spots.
By pruning evergreen shrubs at the right time and using proper techniques, you can keep your plants healthy, well-shaped, and visually appealing year-round.
4 Common evergreen bushes native to Ohio
American Holly (Ilex opaca): This striking evergreen is easily recognizable by its glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries, which provide a beautiful splash of color in the winter landscape. Its dense, prickly foliage makes it an excellent ornamental plant, often used in holiday decorations. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, American Holly serves as a valuable food source for birds, especially in winter when other food is scarce. The berries attract species like cedar waxwings, robins, and mockingbirds, while the thick foliage offers year-round shelter for small wildlife. It’s a great addition to gardens, both for its visual impact and its benefits to local ecosystems.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): This hardy, drought-tolerant evergreen can grow as either a shrub or small tree, making it versatile for various landscaping needs. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and is well-suited for Ohio’s climate. The dense foliage provides excellent year-round cover for wildlife, offering shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small animals. Its ability to grow tall and form thick, natural barriers makes it ideal for use as privacy screens, windbreaks, or even living fences in residential or rural settings. Additionally, its aromatic wood is prized for use in cedar chests and closets.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): This broadleaf evergreen shrub is highly prized for its showy pink or white blossoms that bloom in late spring, creating a stunning display in Ohio landscapes. The intricate, cup-shaped flowers contrast beautifully against the plant’s leathery, dark green leaves, adding year-round interest. Mountain Laurel thrives in well-drained, acidic soils, and it’s often found in woodland gardens or as an accent shrub in partially shaded areas. Not only does it enhance garden aesthetics, but it also supports local wildlife by providing shelter for birds and small animals. Its resilience and beauty make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to add natural elegance to their gardens.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis): This low-growing, evergreen shrub is an excellent choice for areas requiring ground cover, especially on slopes or banks where erosion control is a concern. Its dense, spreading habit forms a thick mat of silvery-blue foliage that provides year-round visual interest. As a hardy, drought-tolerant plant, Creeping Juniper requires minimal maintenance once established, making it ideal for landscapes where a low-effort, durable ground cover is needed. In addition to its functional use in preventing soil erosion, it can also be used in rock gardens, along pathways, or as a border plant, adding texture and color to the landscape throughout all seasons. Its versatility and tough nature make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscaping projects.
Planting Evergreen Bushes
Proper care starts with planting. When choosing a location for your evergreen bushes, be mindful of their sunlight and soil requirements. Most evergreens prefer full to partial sun and well-draining soil.
- Timing: Early spring or fall is the best time to plant evergreens in Columbus. Planting during these cooler months gives the shrubs time to establish their root systems before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
- Spacing: Consider the mature size of the evergreen when planting. Overcrowding can restrict airflow and create moisture problems, which may lead to diseases.
Watering Evergreen Bushes
While evergreens are relatively low-maintenance, they still need consistent watering, especially when newly planted.
- Spring and Summer: During the first few years after planting, evergreen bushes need regular watering to establish their roots. Water deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fall: In Columbus, fall rains are usually enough, but in dry years, it’s essential to continue watering your evergreens to ensure they are well-hydrated before winter. This helps prevent winter desiccation.
- Winter: Evergreens can suffer from dehydration during the winter months when the ground freezes. Watering deeply in late fall before the first hard freeze ensures that your shrubs are well-hydrated to withstand winter stress.
Fertilizing Evergreen Bushes
Proper fertilization promotes strong growth and vibrant foliage. However, over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good, so it’s important to apply the right type and amount.
- When to Fertilize: Fertilize evergreen bushes in early spring before new growth appears. This gives the plants the nutrients they need for the growing season.
- What to Use: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreens is ideal. Look for a product that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as it may encourage new growth that won’t harden off before winter.
Pest and Disease Management
Evergreen bushes are generally hardy, but they can occasionally fall victim to pests like spider mites or diseases such as needle blight.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect your bushes for signs of pests, such as discoloration, webbing, or wilting needles. If detected early, most pest issues can be treated with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
- Diseases: To prevent fungal infections, ensure proper air circulation by pruning and spacing plants appropriately. If you notice yellowing or browning needles, address the problem immediately by improving watering practices or using fungicidal sprays.
By following these care guidelines, you can keep your evergreen bushes healthy and beautiful throughout the year. Proper planting, watering, mulching, pruning, and winter protection are essential to maintaining the longevity and vibrancy of your evergreens in Columbus, Ohio. With the right care, these hardy plants will continue to provide structure, greenery, and beauty to your landscape for years to come.
