Photinia Trimming

What This Service Involves

Photinia (red tip) is grown throughout the Pacific Northwest for the brilliant red flush of new leaves that appears after each trim, but that same trimming is a balancing act. Each cut stimulates a fresh red flush, so we time and stage our pruning to keep color coming without over-shearing into bare wood. Photinia is notoriously prone to Entomosporium leaf spot in our wet climate, so we thin the interior for airflow, remove infected foliage, and avoid overhead-wet conditions where possible. The result is a vibrant, colorful screen that stays healthier than the neglected, spotted hedges so common around the region.

Benefits

Triggers the signature vivid red new-growth flush; Times cuts to keep fresh color coming; Reduces Entomosporium leaf spot through airflow; Removes infected foliage to slow disease spread; Maintains a colorful, healthy screening hedge

Our Process

1) Inspect for leaf spot, dieback, and overall vigor; 2) Prune to stimulate a fresh red flush without baring wood; 3) Thin the interior to open up airflow; 4) Remove and bag infected leaves and prunings separately; 5) Clean the base and haul all debris off site

What Affects the Cost

Hedge size and amount of shaping needed; Severity of leaf-spot disease present; Extra thinning and infected-material removal; Access and haul-away volume; Frequency of seasonal visits

Best Time of Year

Trim in spring and early summer to drive red new growth; avoid wet-weather cuts that spread leaf spot.