Renovation Pruning of Shrubs Starting Soon

Cagwin & Dorward Landscaping will be hard pruning selected shrubs throughout the property in the upcoming weeks. The shrubs will be significantly reduced in size after the pruning, but should grow back soon.  The dead wood removal and size reduction will promote healthy, green growth throughout the plant. The plants to be rejuvenated are the Escalonias, the Abelias and the Mirror Plants.  Also, members of the Landscape Steering Committee will be doing renovation pruning of the Nandinas.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Elyce Philcox, Association Manager at 510-865-3363 or at EPhilcox@HarborBay.org

Below is some information from Cagwin and Dorward on Renovation Pruning.

 Why do Renovation Pruning

• To rejuvenate plants, encouraging a healthier plant
• Removing diseased and dead branches
• Reducing the density of the branches of the plant, increasing air circulation and sunlight penetration
• To redirect growth and remove undesirable growth, create new structure
• To increase flower quality and production
• To control the size of the plant
• Utilize plants existing mature root system instead of replacing it with a smaller plant

 How to do Renovation Pruning

• Removal of not more than one-half of plants growth per year
• Some plants respond to hard pruning better than others
• Thinning cuts- removing lateral branches back to main branches
• Heading back – Removing dormant leaders back to lateral growth, below desired end height
• For basal growing shrubs/ mowing – remove one-third of largest (oldest) growth, or cut entire plant to 8-inches above ground level

 When to do Renovation Pruning

• Not all plants respond with regrowth at the same rate of speed
• Timing of each plant is very critical
• If plant is in a state of decline, complete regrowth is unlikely
• Some plants need renovation pruning yearly to extend their lifespan
• Most plants can be renovated every three to seven years
• Fall Pruning – Deciduous plants that will not be damaged by harsh winter
• Winter Pruning – Deciduous and evergreen plants that flower in summer
• Early Spring – All plants that don’t flower in spring and won’t be damaged by late season frost
• Late Spring / Early Summer – All winter and spring flowering plants