Backyard maple taught me pruning recovery isn't quick

It looked rough for almost a year after we cut it back. Watching it fill out slowly changed how I plan all my trims.

3 comments

3 Comments

I hacked back a lilac bush two years ago with high hopes. It looked so sad and bare I was sure I killed it for good. Now I just stare at any plant I'm about to trim and whisper an apology first.

skyler6311mo ago

Two summers ago, I gave my azalea a haircut so severe it looked like a twig collection. I actually marked its spot with a little rock memorial (you know, just in case). When it came back the next spring, I felt like I'd witnessed a miracle. @wade_hayes, your apology whisper is now my go-to move before any pruning, though I still half-expect plants to hold a grudge.

kaibarnes1mo ago

I accidentally mowed over some daisies once. They came back angrier.

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