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Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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Posted by
organicgardenlover (
My Page) on
Thu, Aug 6, 09 at 17:17
| I have these really ugly and overgrown boxwoods, and i'd like to put a Rudebecia near where it is, so i'd like to cut it back. Can I cut it back now, in the first week of August? Or will the new growth be damaged over winter? Please answer soon because I would like to cut them back tommorow. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| I guess it depends on your zone. Here, it gets very hot and the danger to pruning them now would be from the heat. If it's not too hot there, I think it would be o.k. I assume you're in a colder climate, since you're worried about the new growth being damaged over the winter. That is not something we would have to worry about here. But, I don't think it would hurt an evergreen like it would if you were pruning, say, roses, or a deciduous shrub. Hopefully someone else can give you a second opinion. |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| I'm in zone 5. Sorry, frogot to mention that. |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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- Posted by bboy USDA 8 Sunset 5 WA (My Page) on
Fri, Aug 7, 09 at 1:55
| If plant is already open in habit selective pruning now should not be deleterious. Otherwise removing the outer shell of newer growth during hot weather could result in burning and browning of the previously shaded inner leaves. |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| Here, i'm not worries about it burning, it doesn't get that hot. But I am worried about the frost damaging the tender new leaves. |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| I'm hesitant to trim my boxwood after July, and that comes from experience. Over the years I've tried to get it right and usually ended up with boxwood in need of trimming in September. I'd say I wasn't going to risk it, but I would get the shears out anyway and sure enough a flush of nice green growth would be on them by October. First cold snap and my shrubs would have a lovely layer of brown and tan leaves the next day. Didn't exactly kill the shrubs but they looked really sick and ugly. But are you talking about shearing tops and sides or cutting off entire branches? If you cut the branches off, they won't regrow - not for years that is. The shrub itself shouldn't die though. |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| I just pruned boxwoods last week, and bboy's comment about the danger of browning and burning in hot summer sun is true. I am glad to read this, as I thought my hedgetrimmers must be dull. So, when IS the best time to shear box in hot climates? One quick answer will be appreciated. I am not trying to hijack this thread. :) |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| organicgardenlover, I'm glad someone in your zone finally chimed in. donnabaskets, I may not be doing it right, but here (zone 8), I trim usually the first of March (after freezes but before hot weather) and then again around October. Not quite freezing, but cold enough for them not to spurt up growth immediately. I have trimmed them in the heat of summer, and it took a while, but they eventually bounced back. |
RE: Pruning Boxwoods in August?
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| Thanks, holley! I went outside and knocked off the dead leaves and that helped. They're tough. I'm sure they will bounce back. I appreciate the schedule ideas. I will try your way next year. |
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