When, why and how often should you prune your Kauai trees and shrubs?
This question isn’t so easy to answer in Hawaii, where plants are growing all the time. Sure, landscapes slow down slightly in winter months when the temperatures are a bit cooler, but the growing season never really comes to a full stop.
So how do you deal with pruning when plants never take a break from growing?
Unfortunately, when it comes to pruning, we often see commercial properties on the island where a landscape contractor goes in for “routine pruning” and severely cuts back trees and shrubs. This is potentially harmful for the plants, and disappointing for clients—especially when trees that flower annually are pruned before they bloom. (Boo!) Excessive pruning basically can shock a plant into survival mode, causing it stress and affecting its growth potential.