How to Trim Azaleas in the Fall
Flowering azalea bushes do not usually require pruning for the health of the plant. Some gardeners prune their azaleas to enhance their appearance, giving them a nice shape. However, azaleas should not be pruned in fall because it can affect next year's flowers, the University of Florida IFAS Extension reports. Instead, prune the shrubs before July each year if the plants require it to maintain their appearance. In rare cases, such as when azaleas suffer damage in a storm or have become diseased, a fall pruning may be necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Inspect your azaleas visually to identify any damaged or diseased branches on the plants.
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Remove the branches you have identified with garden shears. The wood should be cut off at the main trunk of the bush or at a large branch, Clemson University reports.
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Discard of the pruned wood appropriately. While pruned plants can be placed on a compost pile, do not place diseased azalea wood with your compost because the disease can then be spread. Instead, place diseased wood with your yard waste for trash pickup.
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Inspect the azalea bushes again to make sure all the damaged and diseased wood has been removed. If not, continue pruning until all the necessary branches have been removed.
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Tips & Warnings
Stick to removing only what is necessary from your azaleas in the fall. If you want to prune the shrubs for the sake of their appearance, do so in early spring, before new growth starts, Clemson University reports.
Don't use hedge trimmers to prune azaleas, the University of Florida IFAS Extension advises. Instead, use sharp pruning shears.
References
- Clemson University Extension; Azalea Care; Debbie Shaughnessy, et all; September 2000
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Azalea Pruning Done Right; Beth Weidner
- University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Selecting and Growing Azaleas; Gary L. Wade, et al.; Sept. 10, 2010
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
