GARDENING BY THE MOON
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
Due to the February, 2021, Winter Storm Uri and the freezing temperatures of this winter, plant materials have taken a hard hit. Length of cold spells, sudden temperature changes and wind all contributed to plant damage.
The way forward for many of your plants is to do a rejuvenation pruning to remove freeze damage, dead plant tissue, overgrown or unbalanced limbs or branches so the plant can grow new, vigorous tissue. For rejuvenation:
First, remove all dead branches, stems and other dead plant tissue.
Following removal, evaluate the appearance of the plant. If the plant does not retain its natural shape, then further cut back may be needed to improve plant shape.
Rejuvenation works best on multi-stemmed, twiggy and deciduous shrubs. It is also great for perennials and ornamental grasses. Most perennials and ornamental grasses can be cut back to a height of 4 to 6 inches.
Plants that require rejuvenation can be hard pruned all at once during early spring or pruned gradually taking off a small amount of the plant at any one time beginning in spring and ending in the summer. Pruning at the wrong time can cause serious stress for your plants. Prune in early spring before bud break and you will be successful.
Fertilize all of your plants after pruning encourage fast recovery and vigorous growth. You will find that this makeover will greatly prove your landscape appearance as plants regrow and rejuvenate.