Shrub Shaping Services in Connecticut
Pruning, Shaping, Treatment and Care
Some Plants Love To Be Sheared, Others, Do Not
To Shear or Not To Shear, That Is The Question
Shearing involves cutting only the top bits of the shrubs' new growth. ... Hand-pruning more selectively cuts twigs and branches from all over the shrub, adhering to the plant's natural growth habit and allowing air and light to penetrate to all parts of the plant. Shearing a plant, also called cutting back, is a pruning method that removes large amounts of plant material in one fell swoop. A shearing cut is made anywhere along the length of a plant's stem at a set height or width, without regard to the internal structure of the plant. A Texas A&M Horticulture study concluded that it's better to not prune shrubs than to do it incorrectly. Many people wait too long, while others prune their shrubs every year, even when it’s not needed. The result is that people trimming their own bushes and shrubs may not be aware they are causing damage to the plant and possibly stopping it from flowering or thriving in the coming years.
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At Ornamentals LLC, not only do we specialize in trees, we also trim and prune shrubs. Shrubs are a great way to fill in your landscape, without the tall aspect of a tree. When they’re maintained professionally, they can really stand out. Much like other landscaping, our team of experts knows exactly when a certain shrub needs to thrive and look outstanding. That’s why our certified professionals are some of the best in Connecticut.
Please contact us to answer any questions or to request a consult with one of our tree professionals.
Why pruning shrubs is necessary?
Our professional pruning will enhance the beauty and the development of your tree and shrub. Pruning can also repair limbs that were damaged by storms, fix holes from storm damage, reduce height or width, encourage fruit and flowering..
A tree may need pruning for a variety of reasons:
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To remove diseased or storm-damaged branches
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To thin the crown to permit new growth and better air circulation
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To increase sunlight penetration
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To reduce the height of a tree
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To remove obstructing lower branches
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To shape a tree for design purposes
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To encourage more flowers and fruit
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To shape or contain
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To prevent disease or pest infestation
Specialty trimming by a Connecticut shrub and tree specialist.
What Is Proper Trimming?
Shearing a bush means using a tool such as gas hedge trimmers to outline plants into geometric shapes . Formal garden plants require shearing 2-3 times per growing season. Hand pruning is using hand pruners and hand saws to open the architecture of the plant and follow a more natural design. Hand pruning is better for single shrubs and trees mostly. Combination of these two styles leads to a healthier plant. If these simple guidelines are not followed the shrub may not flower, it may die back, develop bad structure, or otherwise be stunted. Healthy plants will thrive and constantly develop new growth = More Flowers and More Fruit!!
Necessary Know-How
A pruner must have knowledge of proper pruning cuts and knowledge of plant species to make key decisions for the health and beauty of the plant. Gas Shears are NOT meant for all tree and shrub species!!!
At Ornamentals, we have extensive knowledge of all the different kinds of landscape shrubs that grow in New England, and their unique horticultural needs. Lilac and Rhododendron require yearly trimming, right after flowers are past bloom, to ensure there will be flower buds the next season; whereas some summer bloomers, like Japanese Stewartia and Dogwood and most ornamental trees and shrubs are best pruned in winter, when they are dormant.
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Some shrub species require a prune once a year while others do better on a twice-a-year schedule.
Native to Connecticut
Native trees and shrubs are an essential part of any CT garden. In addition to offering year-round beauty with colorful fruit, flowers and fall foliage, they are also an important source of food and shelter for local wildlife.
Native Evergreens
Evergreens are a great way to provide year-round structure in your garden. They provide privacy and structure to your landscape while helping native wildlife thrive. Evergreens draw the eye and are an excellent backdrop for flowering perennials and annuals.
Flowering Natives
Native flowering shrubs are a mainstay in many Connecticut gardens, providing longer color, with less effort, than many perennials.
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For a list of native trees and shrubs for Connecticut gardens, visit the websites of the UCONN Agriculture and Experiment Station or UCONN Plant Database.
To keep the trees and shrubs in your landscaping looking their best while maintaining their health, contact us to schedule a free estimate for pruning. We also offer landscape packages as well as plant health care programs to keep everything looking wonderful year round. Weekly checkups available!
For more information about our bush and shrub services please call 860-622-1265 or contact us online.