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Rejuvenating Overgrown Plants: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Overgrown Plants
Overgrown plants can be a common problem in gardens, especially if they have been neglected for a period of time. Overgrowth can occur in various types of plants, including trees, shrubs, and hedges. It can make them look unkempt and hinder their growth and productivity.
Why Rejuvenate Overgrown Plants?
Rejuvenating overgrown plants offers several benefits:
- Improved appearance: Pruning overgrown plants removes excess growth, giving them a more tidy and well-maintained look.
- Enhanced health: Rejuvenation pruning removes diseased, damaged, or dead branches, promoting overall plant health.
- Increased productivity: Pruning stimulates new growth, leading to improved flowering, fruiting, and overall vigor.
- Space optimization: Reducing the size of overgrown plants can free up space in your garden, allowing other plants to thrive.
Pruning Techniques for Overgrown Plants
The approach to rejuvenating overgrown plants depends on the type of plant and the extent of overgrowth. Here are some general guidelines:
Rejuvenating Overgrown Shrubs
Step 1: Remove Thick Stems
- Use pruning saws or loppers to cut out the thickest, oldest stems from the base of the shrub.
- Make a first cut about 30cm above the final desired cut to prevent tearing.
- Remove up to a third of the stems each winter, leaving the rest to flower.
Step 2: Reduce Remaining Stems
- After flowering, reduce the remaining stems by half.
- Don’t worry if you can’t see any buds, as hard pruning stimulates new shoots.
Reducing Overgrown Hedges
Step 1: Choose Suitable Plants
- Not all hedging plants can tolerate hard rejuvenation pruning. Suitable plants include beech, privet, hornbeam, and yew.
Step 2: Prune Gradually
- Tackle one side of the hedge at a time, leaving a one- or two-year break between prunings.
- Cut back to near the main trunk, leaving some foliage.
Sorting Out Neglected Apple Trees
Step 1: Remove Old Branches
- Remove a third of the oldest central branches to open up the tree’s heart and reduce congestion.
Step 2: Shorten Lower Branches
- Shorten the lower branches by up to half.
Step 3: Remove Weak Fruiting Spurs
- Cut back half of the old, weak fruiting spurs.
Step 4: Avoid Crossing Branches
- Remove any crossing branches to improve air circulation and prevent disease.
Hard Pruning for Tough Shrubs
Some tough shrubs, such as Viburnum tinus and Cornus alba, can be pruned right down to the ground. This encourages them to send up vigorous new shoots in spring. Hard pruning is best done after the last frost.
Tips for Pruning Overgrown Plants
- Use sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts.
- Remove diseased or damaged branches first.
- Prune during the dormant season for most plants.
- Water and fertilize plants after pruning to promote recovery.
- Be patient, as rejuvenation pruning can take time to show results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I deal with an overgrown garden with nettles and brambles?
- Remove rubbish first.
- Divide the garden into sections for easier management.
- Check for wildlife before clearing areas.
- Use a strimmer or shears to cut back long grass and nettles.
- Dig out brambles with a spade, wearing gloves.
Q: What are some pruning tips for mahonia shrubs?
- Prune after the last frost to avoid damage.
- Remove old and diseased branches at the base.
- Reduce remaining stems by half after flowering.
Q: How do I prune an overgrown apple tree for better fruit production?
- Remove a third of the oldest central branches to open up the tree.
- Shorten lower branches by up to half.
- Remove weak fruiting spurs.
- Avoid crossing branches.
