Renewal Pruning
Renewal pruning (or thinning) is a process used to promote new growth in a shrub over time (1-3 years.) Common in multi-stemmed shrubs, it involves the selective removal of the largest or oldest stems of the shrub to encourage new stems to grow. It works because it opens up the canopy of an overgrown shrub; this allows more light to reach the base of the plant and stimulates new growth within large or overgrown shrubs. Since it is a gradual process, some of the plant’s size is maintained.
Before Pruning:
After Pruning:
Common questions about renewal pruning:
I have lilacs that are pretty large now and quite overgrown. I enjoy the privacy they provide, but noticed they do not bloom much anymore. Are they good candidates for renewal pruning?
Yes, in fact, they are excellent candidates for renewal pruning. Renewal pruning, in combination with a technique called heading back, will promote new, younger stems to grow that will produce more flowers for you. As plants age, the wood becomes older and doesn’t produce as many flowers. By removing the oldest or largest shoots over a period of one to three years, not all privacy will be lost and the shrub will produce new wood that will produce more flowers. In addition, you will still enjoy some of the flowers the following year.
What is the difference between renewal pruning and rejuvenation pruning?
Rejuvenation is the most severe pruning. It involves the removal of all of the shrub’s stems to 6-8inches of the ground in many cases. Renewal pruning is essentially thinning a shrub by only removing the oldest or largest stems. It is more of a gradual process that can maintain a shrub’s health and size.
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