Gardening and Horticulture - when/how to prune evergreen bush

I just moved to a new place and got some evengreen bush that over-grown too much. Can I trim them now before the weather become too cold? Or should I wait till early next spring? I assume they will not grow over the cold season.

The bush is as high as 4 feet . I would ldeally like to cut them to 3 feet or 3.5 feet. Are there any special prune techniques (or precaution) I should take?

Thanks aheads for any advices.

Bill

It would be helpful to know just what "evergreen" you want to prune.

Different species should be pruned or trimmed at different times of year.

Generally, the best time to do any radical trimming or pruning is just prior to new growth--which again varies with the species. New growth softens and covers the harsh, bare look that a lot of pruning causes.

If you decide to trim now, try not to leave any large bare unsightly branch stubs showing.

Also, make sure the bottom of the scrub is slightly wider than the top. Wider-at-the-top will shade the lower part of the shrub, and if they don't get enough sunlight, it will start loosing needles, and branches will eventually die.

Excelant advice, you may also find more information @ http://www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/B961-W.HTML#Guidelines

Thanks to newt for that link, & so many more up top under the Gardening links.

Links are a great way to share with others. Please let me know of any helpful links you may have found, & I will post them for everyone to use :)

Marturo

Hi, Judy and Marturo,

Thanks a lot. These are very helpful. I will try to find out what type of evergreen in my yard.

Bill