When winter rolls around, our beloved boxwood shrubs can sometimes suffer from the harsh cold temperatures, leading to unsightly damage on their leaves and branches. It is not uncommon to see brown or black foliage on boxwoods emerging from a particularly cold winter. But fear not, with the right approach to pruning, you can help your boxwoods recover and thrive once again.
The first step in pruning boxwoods with winter damage is to carefully assess the extent of the problem. Take a close look at your shrub and identify the branches and foliage that have been affected by the cold weather. It’s important to distinguish between dead and live wood to ensure that you are pruning effectively.
Dead wood on boxwoods can hinder new growth and make the plant look unhealthy. To begin the pruning process, start by removing any dead branches or foliage. Using sharp and clean pruning shears, make clean cuts close to the main stem or branch collar. This will help promote healing and prevent further damage to the plant.
After removing the dead wood, you may notice that some branches have only been partially affected by the winter damage. In these cases, it’s best to prune back the damaged areas to where you see signs of live growth. Look for green, healthy buds or foliage as indicators of live wood, and make your cuts just above these areas.
When pruning boxwoods with winter damage, it’s important to maintain the natural shape and structure of the shrub. Avoid cutting back too much at once, as this can stress the plant further. Instead, opt for gradual pruning over multiple sessions to give the boxwood time to recover and regrow.
For larger boxwoods that have sustained significant winter damage, consider rejuvenation pruning. This involves cutting back the entire shrub to a height of 6 to 12 inches from the ground. While this may seem drastic, rejuvenation pruning can help stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant over time.
After pruning your boxwood shrub, be sure to clean up any debris and dead foliage around the base of the plant. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and pests, ensuring that your boxwood has the best chance of recovering from the winter damage.
Once you have completed the pruning process, consider applying a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub to help retain moisture and protect the roots. Water the plant thoroughly to promote healthy growth and monitor its progress in the following weeks and months.
With proper care and attention, your boxwoods can bounce back from winter damage and regain their lush green foliage. Remember to stay patient and give your shrubs the time they need to recover fully. By following these pruning tips and techniques, you can help your boxwoods thrive year after year.
