Shrubs have character, same as trees and they all have functions and serve purpose. This is why in the hands of an Arborist you can get the best look out of your landscape. Some shrubs require shaping, pruning, trimming, others more attention like topiary, and some a controlled wild look. Whatever it is, its all dependent on what plant material you have in your yard, where it is located, and what species of plants you have in order to understand what they require and how they should look. Then there is the rejuvenation cut, for those of you who have let their trimming chores go beyond the scope. Be aware that you have to know what shrubs can tolerate this kind of aggressive cut and what is to be expected. This trimming usually removes most if not all foliage from the plant, this is so that when the shrub does start growing, the new lush foliage fills into an area that is more desirable. The bonus is you get new growth along with flowering in an area that is manageable. Trees on the other hand require pruning where selective limbs are removed for health and risk issues. Shrubs are trimmed, trees are pruned, this is the proper terminology.
Tropicals in the Cold
It has been quite some time since we have seen weather conditions this cold, and below freezing this long. If you have palm trees, tropicals and even sub-tropicals here is something you can do that may help them survive. Cover them entirely with blankets and if possible electric blankets next lite oil pots around the plants to aid in temperature increase and of course irrigate prior to the event. Knowing palms like I do and experiencing the 1983 freeze, it doesn’t appear that we wold have any different outcome, but it sure would help doing the above in reducing the mortality then doing nothing at all.