When it do to drastically cutting back box , it ’s important to come a two - step approach . This approaching will help to thin the sizing of an overgrown box step by step , provide it to recover and conserve its health .

Step 1 : First Year PruningIn the first year , you ’ll want to focus on cutting back the overgrown offshoot by approximately one - half of their length . This initial pruning will help to concentrate the overall size of it of the boxwood while still leave it to maintain some foliage for photosynthesis and free energy output .

Start by identifying the branches that are most overgrown and have range from the desired build or sizing . Use piercing and clean pruning shear or hedge trimmers to make the cutting . It ’s authoritative to make clean cuts at a slim angle just above a leafage thickening or bud . This will raise new growth and forestall any stub from sticking out .

It ’s a good estimation to step back and assess the conformation of the Turkish boxwood as you go along . Make certain to remove any deadened or diseased arm as well . recollect , the finish in the first class is to reduce the size but not to cut back to the desire length just yet .

dance step 2 : Second Year PruningIn the second year , after the box has had a chance to recover from the initial pruning , you could continue the reduction cognitive process . This time , you could cut the branch back to the hope length .

Again , identify the branch that need further reduction in sizing or reshaping . Take into retainer the overall shape and sizing you want to achieve . Make the cut somewhat above leaf guest or buds , assure neat cuts to promote tidy ontogeny .

Throughout this process , it ’s crucial to maintain the health of the boxwood . decent lachrymation , especially during dry period , is crucial to support its recovery . Mulching around the base of the plant can help oneself keep back moisture and influence dirt temperature .

Additional Tips : – It ’s mostly recommended to perform heavy pruning during the dormant season ( late winter or early bounce ) when boxwoods are less actively growing . – Avoid pruning more than one - third of the total plant intensity at once , as this can stress the plant to a fault . – Regularly inspect the Turkish boxwood for cuss or disease issuance and take appropriate action if needed . – Consider fertilizing the box after clip to supply it with the necessary food for convalescence and growth .

Personal Experience : In my own experience with drastically cutting back boxwoods , I found that keep an eye on this two - tone glide path yielded the good results . By step by step reduce the size over a duo of years , the boxwoods were able-bodied to preserve their health and bounce back with new maturation .

In the first year , I was worried about cutting back the branch by only half their length , as it seemed like a minimal alteration . However , I soon realized that this allow the boxwood to acclimatize to the pruning and start the recovery operation .

By the second year , I could confidently write out the branches back to the desired distance , have sex that the boxwoods had already conform to the initial decrease . This approach resulted in beautifully shaped boxwood that were healthier and more manageable in size of it .

Remember , pruning is a personal cognitive operation , and every boxwood may require slimly different accommodation . It ’s essential to evaluate the specific needs of your boxwood and accommodate the pruning approach accordingly .

Caroline Bates