Andromeda | Natural Pruning Techniques (Pieris japonica)

Anders prunes a Japanese Andromeda tree that was formerly sheared into a ball. Shearing "works" but will confuse (and possibly kill) plants in the long run. There is a naturally beautiful and unique shape to every plant, let's find that!
In this video Anders brings the structural integrity of this Andromeda back by rerouting the energy of the tree upwards. Feel free to leave any questions below and we will be happy to answer them!
#pierisjaponica #apicaldominance #treerehabilitation
Piano music provided by our sister MoodyMay

[ThatHippieChick]

Thanks for the Education on this beauty! I have this TREE in my front yard in front of my front porch in PNW too. It’s been sheered as you say on its top twice in 4.5 years (the landlord sent some rando company out to prune the “bushes” and bark the beds), as you can’t see out from the front door/porch, they cut the top off mine down to just below the porch railing. They took about 18” of height off both times!
Now that I know it’s a tree and not a bush, I will ask them to treat it as a growing tree and not treat it like a bush, and let that baby grow!! This is the first year I’ve seen it flower as no one has touched it in 2 years, and it’s so pretty!!
😊✌️ 🌳

[Likeabuterfly]

Here to say thank you!!! You’re video was SUPER helpful… heading out to try and help mine right now :)

[chrisk]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have three of these which have been maintained as low hedges for years, I've been wanting to figure how make the foundation plants look more natural, without actually removing the plants.Super helpful!

[sammysworld]

Wow that Pieris must be 20+ yrs old. They are very slow growing. I have four planted in my garden. They are a sight to behold in Spring when it blooms. I’m planning on tree forming mine when it gets to the desired height.

[redrobotsoup]

Do you two have any favorite pruning books? Or books that describe plant growth dynamics?

Thing looks great after pruning!

[jacobicu]

Hello, great video! When is the best time to prune the Pieres Japonica? I read recently that if you cut the buds in the fall it will not flower the following spring. I’d like to do mine as it’s growth is quite random and doesn’t look very neat, but would hate to mess it up as it blooms beautifully each year.

[ChrisGarza]

Hey there 👋 I stumbled across your channel while looking for info on Variegated Japanese Andromeda. I have one at my Lodge in Troutdale, and it hasn't been cared for in probably 10 years or so. Would love to know your take on it if you're ever in the area.

[PauloQDesigner]

Please be careful with your lovely dogs, because Unfortunately, these shrubs are poisonous to humans and pets. All parts of Pieris japonica contain Grayanotoxins that affect the heart, brain, and nervous system.

[mylmonlim]

When is the best time to hard prune like this?

[CatskillsGrrl]

Very interesting! Can you coppice an andromeda?