| When is it best to prune boxwoods? What is the best way to prune back older boxwoods? We live in the Midatlantic region. |
| Early spring, just as new growth begins, is a great time to prune or shear your boxwood shrubs. Pruning encourages lots of healthy new growth. Early summer pruning is fine, too. When attempting to reduce the size of older, larger shrubs, it is best to prune them lightly over a period of 2-3 years. If you prune back to bare wood, the shrub may not develop new growth. So, shear them back, leaving some foliage on the stems. Next spring shear them back some more and the following spring, shear them back again. Eventually you will reduce the size without losing all the foliage and ending up with bare branches. |
