Trimming and Pruning 

Dowco offers year-round solutions to keep your landscape tidy. Many of our clients in Chesterfield, St. Albans, and throughout St. Louis County have their trees and shrubs pruned 1–4 times per year depending on their landscape and their level of activity in the garden.

All over the Chesterfield and St. Louis County area we’ve seen an increase in the number of trees and shrubs being installed in landscapes, and the diversity in plants continues to grow.

This new awareness of a wider range of plants requires specialized pruning techniques. With more than 40 years of experience caring for local landscapes, Dowco’s horticulturists understand what each plant needs to thrive.

Planting a tree or shrub correctly, in the proper location, and protecting it from injury are the best things you can do to influence the life cycle of your plants. The next largest impact is trimming and pruning. Never trim or prune if you don’t know why the tree or shrub requires it.

The Right Time to Trim and Prune Your Trees and Shrubs

Knowing the proper way to trim and prune your shrubs starts with knowing when to trim them. Timing affects many aspects of your plant’s health, including viability and flowering.

Flowering Trees & Shrubs

Flowering trees and shrubs are the most finicky. If you prune them at the wrong time, you risk removing the buds that would produce next season’s flowers.

The general rule of thumb is to prune flowering shrubs just after flowering is complete. This will help ensure a beautiful flower display the following season.

Evergreens

Evergreens are different since most have no flowers to use as a guide. They can also be temperamental—trim too early and frost can damage tips; trim too late and either heat or cold can damage the plant.

When trimming evergreens after the first flush of the year, make sure the plant has adequate moisture and that temperatures are moderate. Trimming just before a heat wave often leads to drying and tip dieback.

If late-season trimming is the goal, do it after temperatures have cooled. Trimming too early in the fall may push out tender new growth that frost can destroy, while trimming too late doesn’t give stems enough time to heal before winter. In Chesterfield and St. Louis County, weather is unpredictable, so the proper timing varies each year.

The Difference Between Trimming and Pruning

Some people mistake trimming for pruning, but they are two different things.

• Trimming removes growth on the outermost part of the plant.
• Pruning is more technical and may involve removing larger portions of plant material.

Pruning on deciduous plants should be done in the winter while they are dormant to reduce stress. Pruning on evergreens is best in spring and fall. Deadwood can be removed safely at any time of year, as long as proper techniques are used.

As a general rule, avoid removing more than one-third of a plant at once. Keep these timing tips in mind and you can enjoy sculpted plants for years to come.

If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time to prune, ask Dowco. With over 40 years of local experience, we’re here to help Chesterfield and St. Louis County property owners care for their landscapes.

Our Approach

Our outdoor living professionals view the landscape as a whole.

We begin with the largest shrubs and lightly touch smaller ones as needed to create symmetry across the hedge or bed.

When Dowco trims, we pay close attention to details such as removing suckers that deplete nutrients from desirable growth.

We also take the time to listen to your preferences. Some clients enjoy tightly trimmed shrubs, while others prefer more texture. Do you prefer a formal or natural garden? Would you like Boxwoods in a hedge or as individual specimens? A thoughtful pruning strategy will keep your trees and shrubs healthy, strong, and beautiful for years to come. Whatever your style, we’ll tailor the pruning approach to your vision.