To maintain a stunning landscape in the Northshore area, you have to treat the “Big Three” with distinct strategies. Pruning at the wrong time can accidentally kill your spring blooms or leave your evergreens looking ragged.
The 2026 Northshore Pruning Guide
| Plant Variety | Best Pruning Window | Professional Goal |
| Crepe Myrtles | Late Jan to Early Feb | Maintain “Natural Vase” shape |
| Holly Bushes | Early Spring | Increase interior light and airflow |
| Azalea Bushes | Late Spring (Post bloom) | Protect next year’s flower buds |
Why Pruning Matters for Your Landscape
Pruning is about more than just shaping. It is vital for the health and longevity of your property. Proper maintenance provides several key benefits:
- Better Blooms: Proper pruning stimulates new growth which leads to more vibrant and abundant flowers.
- Disease and Pest Prevention: Removing dead or overcrowded branches allows for better airflow. This reduces the risk of fungal infections and pest infestations common in our humid climate.
- Enhanced Structure: Correct pruning promotes strong and well balanced growth. This prevents weak limbs that could break during summer storms.
- Curb Appeal: A professionally pruned yard enhances your landscape’s beauty and increases your property value.
Before you start, make sure your tools are sharp and sanitized. Dull shears can tear bark, and uncleaned blades can easily spread diseases like Cercospora leaf spot between your plants.
Crepe Myrtles: Stop the “Crepe Murder”
Many homeowners make the mistake of “topping” their Crepe Myrtles by cutting them back too aggressively. This practice weakens the tree and leads to unattractive growth.
- The Right Way: Focus on “limbing up” by removing lower branches to showcase the beautiful peeling bark.
- The Timing: Prune while the tree is dormant in late winter to ensure vibrant flowers once the heat hits.
Keep an eye on the local forecast. If a sudden Northshore freeze is predicted, wait until the hard freeze passes before pruning. Fresh cuts can expose a tree’s vascular system to extreme cold, causing unnecessary stress.
Holly Bushes: Avoid the “Hollow” Look
If you only use electric shears on the outside of your Hollies, the interior will eventually become a “dead zone” of brown needles.
- The Technique: Use hand pruners to reach inside and remove a few larger stems. This allows light to reach the center to keep the bush lush from the inside out.
- The Timing: Aim for early spring just before the first flush of new growth begins.
Azaleas: The “Post-Bloom” Window
Azaleas are the crown jewels of Louisiana springs. However, they are easy to mess up if you don’t know the golden rule: Never prune Azaleas in the winter.
- The Strategy: Prune only after the flowers have faded in late spring.
- The Deadline: Once July hits, the plant starts setting buds for 2027. Put the shears away by mid summer to protect next year’s display.
Once your spring pruning is finished, apply a layer of fresh mulch to help your newly trimmed Azaleas retain moisture through the warmer months.
Why Hire a Professional for Your 2026 Pruning?
While DIY is tempting, your landscape is an investment that requires specialized care. Choosing a professional tree pruning service ensures:
- Expert Techniques: Our trained arborists use industry approved methods to prune for optimal health.
- Safety First: Tree pruning can be dangerous. We have the right tools and experience to handle the job safely.
- Efficiency: Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a stunning landscape without the hassle.
Ready to give your landscape the professional touch? Contact R M Tree Care today to schedule your seasonal pruning and keep your property looking its best!