How Should You Trim a Bush That's Been Frozen?

Winter weather often damages the leaves and branches of bushes, even when grown in a location where they are considered cold hardy. An especially cold winter or an unusually warm fall followed by a sudden temperature drop may lead to frozen foliage and bushes that appear to be nothing more than an unsightly mess. Looks can be deceiving, however, as the plants usually begin to grow again when spring arrives. It's important to wait until late winter to trim frozen bushes because cutting them back too soon may stimulate early regrowth and cause added stress.

Pruning shears
Sharp knife
10-6-4 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Trim broken branches and limbs back to the point where they join with the trunk or a larger branch. Use sharp pruning shears and avoid making rough or jagged cuts, as this may promote disease.
- 2
  Scar growth that looks dead using a sharp knife. If there is any sign of green beneath the outer layer of bark, the foliage still has life. Cut limbs and branches with no signs of life back to the nearest healthy growth.
- 3
  Trim completely dead branches back to soil level.
- 4
  Inspect the bush after temperatures warm in spring and leafing out begins. Prune back dead growth that was missed during the late winter trimming.
- 5
  Apply 10-6-4 fertilizer, at the rate directed on the package, in early spring. Spread the granules beneath the bush, beginning three inches from its base and reaching outward to the tips of the farthest reaching branches.

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