Unlocking spring care secrets for Thujas: From pruning to homemade fertilization
The onset of spring is swift, so we are increasingly drawn to our gardens that will soon come alive again. Our attention should extend beyond merely grass and flowers to include bushes and small trees around the house. How should you care for thujas after winter? The key lies in the first pruning session.
Feb 6, 2024 | updated: 4:09 AM EST, March 7, 2024
Thujas – First pruning after winter
Thujas are among the most favored conifers in our lands. They grace many gardens, forming impressive hedges, and are often planted individually in decorative rows.
While they are easy to care for and provide a beautiful aesthetic, the arrival of warmer days means dedicating a bit more time to their upkeep. The crucial task is the first pruning post-winter, which not only reshapes the plant but also encourages growth.
This task should ideally be carried out around March and April when our conifers begin sprouting new shoots.
The branches should be reduced to half their length. Concurrently, we must eliminate dry, broken branches. This not only promotes growth but also enhances their visual appeal.
However, one pruning session isn't enough. Thujas require two more trimming sessions, the next in June and again at the end of August.
How to care for thujas after winter
Spring is the perfect time to supply our conifers with the necessary nutrients with the help of a fertilizer. But there's no need for a store-bought one. We can make excellent use of what generally gets tossed in our bins.
To prepare a homemade fertilizer, coffee grounds will be quite useful as they supply our plants with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus – key elements for proper growth.
Mix two tablespoons of coffee grounds with about half a gallon of water. Water the thujas with this blend every few days, and that's all there is to it. It's straightforward, cost-effective, and environment-friendly.
