Hey everyone! I'm taking care of a large garden that's a bit wild right now, and I'm not the most experienced gardener. I've let it go a bit over the winter, and now that spring is here, my deciduous shrubs, especially the common dogwood hedge, are budding like crazy. They're going to get out of control if I don't do something. My question is, if I prune them now, will they bounce back, or will they just end up looking bare for the summer? Any tips would be appreciated!
2 Answers
You're in good hands with dogwoods! They’re pretty resilient. It's actually a great time to give them a good prune, especially right when the buds start appearing. Just be ready for some fresh, colorful growth!
While it's tempting to trim, you might want to check for any nesting birds before you go cutting things back. It's better to wait until after their nesting season to avoid disturbing them. A little selective hand pruning could work now, but a full trim is best saved for later.
That's true! And it’s good to remember that any pruning should respect local wildlife regulations. Plus, embracing the wild look can be beautiful in its own way!