Japanese boxwoods

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
pop963 San Antonio, TX Sep 02, 2007

I want to know if i should trim my boxwoods now or wait till full grown? I want a square shape. What tool do i use for trimming?

Thumbnail by pop963
Post #3928310
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Sep 02, 2007

I think it's probably best to start training them into the shape you want now, trimming them now will stimulate new growth where they're cut and that'll help them grow more dense, otherwise if you wait until they're full size and then cut them, they won't be as full and bushy and you'll see holes. To get the most perfect box shape, you're probably best off buying some electric hedge clippers, you can do it by hand but it'll take you longer and probably won't look as perfect.

Post #3928380
Quote
WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Sep 05, 2007

Hi Pop, I would be inclined to just snip the foliage with some secateurs till you get to grips with the shape and final size you require at this stage, once you cut with any electric cutters, you cant step back and have a look to see what to do next, there ain't much you can do if you cut too much off, Ecrane is right about getting the shrubs to grow thicker and bushier, but this should be done over a couple of years so that the plants get new young growth growing within the shrubs not just the outside growth, to get the box to grow bushier, just keep cutting off the growing tips of the branches till you reach the width and height you want, then let them grow about 6 inches more before you cut off the final excess, it is a good idea to give feed every spring and autumn also as you want these shrubs to put on some good young growth for you, this also means new side shoots to all the branches, not just the outside ones, I dont know how high you want them to grow, but they look still thin and quite spindly at the top and if you cut all that away, you will end up with squares about a foot high, so go slowly and after a couple of years, you will eventually see the thickness come and the height will still be going upwards for you till you reach the eventual size you want, it is so much easier to cut them short than to get them to add more height, be patient at this stage and it will pay off in the long run, Good Luck. WeeNel.

Post #3938054
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP