Is it bad to trim shrubs when it's realy hot out?

Answer 1

It's not awful, but not preferred by professionals. Summer is not usually the best time to prune for aesthetic purposes. Plants are already under stress this time of year, and pruning causes additional stress.

If you want to remove a shrub, then hack away any time of year. But clearly, you are concerned with shrubs within your landscape that you are maintaining.

Spring and fall are the best times of year, as it is less stressful on the plant. When you make a cut, it sends a message to the plant to produce new cells that will either form a callous (scab, to humans) or form a split (grow 2 new, young branches), depending on where on the shrub branch you cut (this starts to get really technical, so I won't go into detail, but you can cut in certain spots to almost ensure branching form and flower bud set).

Careful pruning will allow a shrub to form new branches to keep it looking full. Trimming (like a bowl haircut) gets rid of stray branching and gives an instant "good look", but over time, create the 'hollow ball' effect, essentially ruining the plant over the years. Pruning should be done a couple times of year, and trimming only as needed, once or twice a year, or never if possible. Either way, try to hold off until the season cools down a little and plants are less stressed.

In a nut shell, it's not about pruning when it's hot out, it's about pruning in the correct season. Picking a cool day in summer is not any less stressful than a hot day in summer. Summer is stressful for the landscape.

Answer 2

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RE:
Is it bad to trim shrubs when it's realy hot out?

Answer 3

oh brother...

I work on a Christmas tree farm and we prune 4 acres of pines, spruces and firs (all related to shrubs) at all times of day throughout the summer and it makes absolutely no difference in terms of growth patterns. Just try to cut only the new growth and you'll be fine.

Though, personally I prefer to shear trees in the evening. There isn't any dew and it's not as hot out.

Answer 4

Not if you want to get rid of a bush. In my case I have a very persistant Carolina Allspice (Calyanthus floridus) which best responds to a machete. I did just that an hour ago.

Answer 5

YES don't stress them in stressful conditions and the time of year matters very much (look up the individual plant but most are OK in non growing seasons)

Answer 6

the heat will burn you not the shrubs. cut them late in the afternoon or early morning.

Answer 7

yes get the farmers almanac it will tell you the best time to prune and stuff

Answer 8

only for you

Answer 9

not unless u want to kill them