Perennials are plants that grow back year after year, and some common ones in Mankato, MN, are dogwoods, honeysuckles, and daylilies. To thrive continually, perennials need to be cut back on an annual basis. Perennial cutbacks involve removing a plant's smaller branches and foliage to safeguard its health and promote strong growth in the future. Depending on the plant, cutbacks should typically be performed in the spring or fall, but it is very important to do it at the correct time to avoid harming your plants. So, before grabbing your pruning shears, make sure you contact a local landscaping company for guidance.

What does it mean to cut back your perennials?

Professional pruning a perennial planting in Lake Crystal, MN.

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years and complete a growth cycle annually. This means they bloom, die, and then rebloom during the next growing season. In order to flourish, perennials need to be cut back each year. Perennial cutbacks are essentially a form of extensive pruning that entails removing a plant's smaller branches and foliage.

While traditional pruning targets dead or diseased branches and foliage, perennial cutbacks target everything, regardless of their health status. Although it may sound harmful, perennial cutbacks actually preserve the health of your plants. They also encourage new, strong growth in the future so that your plants continue to thrive.

When is the best time to perform perennial cutbacks?

Honeysuckle planting in landscape in Eagle Lake, MN.

You can cut back most perennials in the spring or fall. However, determining when to perform perennial cutbacks depends on the type of plants you have on your property in Mankato, MN. Some plants benefit the most when they are cut back in the spring at the start of the growing season, while others respond best to being cut back in the fall before entering winter dormancy. A list of plants that should be cut back in the spring and fall is below.

Spring:

  • Burning Bush
  • Dogwood
  • Honeysuckle

Fall:

  • Daylily
  • Hosta
  • Iris

Some plants, like hedges, can be pruned a couple of times per year to keep them in top condition.

Consult your local landscaping company before cutting back your perennials.

Perennial cutbacks are super beneficial when they are performed correctly and at the proper time. However, you could actually harm your plants if you cut back your perennials at the wrong time. Before you grab your pruning shears, make sure to consult your local landscaping company for guidance. A reputable company will be able to advise when you should cut back your perennials to ensure they reap the maximum benefits and are not harmed by the process. If you're searching for a trustworthy company to contact, then you should look for one that has the following characteristics:

  • Experience: Find a company that has been in business for at least 10 years. An experienced company most likely has a track record of success and will know how to properly cut back perennials.
  • Local: Find a local company. A locally owned and operated landscaping company should have a firm understanding of how to care for plants in Mankato, MN.
  • Satisfaction Guarantee: Find a company that backs its services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. A company that offers a guarantee stands by its work and can be counted on to do a good job.

Call today to schedule your perennial cutback service!

Do you have perennial plants at your home or business that need to be cut back? If so, we're here to help. At LawnCrafters, we offer our perennial cutback service to property owners in Mankato, MN, and nearby areas like North Mankato and St. Peter. You can schedule this service as an add-on to our leaf removal or spring cleanup services. You can trust our team to do an excellent job when cutting back your perennials. We have been serving local property owners since 2007, are locally owned and operated, and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us today at (507) 414-8393 to schedule your perennial cutback service!