Do Evergreens Lose Their Leaves in Spring?
The last time evergreens produced new leaves was in July so they have had to endure 9 months of wind, rain, hail, snow and drier than normal conditions over that period.
A leaf is a temporary structure — the workhorse of a plant, converting sunlight into food. Over time, as the elements batter it, its efficiency declines. The plant will then seek to shed old leaves in favour of newer, more efficient ones. This process typically occurs between April and June, depending on the variety and weather conditions. If new, delicate leaves emerge too early, they risk being damaged by a late frost before they have had a chance to harden. On the other hand, if they appear later than June, the plant may miss the increased light levels necessary for its nourishment after the dormant season.
At this time of year, your evergreen trees may appear to be at their lowest ebb — but there’s nothing to worry about! Before shedding old leaves, many evergreens — especially broadleaf types — will show signs of yellowing or blotchiness. This is completely normal. As the tree prepares to replace tired foliage, it begins to reabsorb nutrients from older leaves, which then lose their green colour. It might look a bit dramatic, but it’s just the tree making room for fresh, vigorous growth.
This is simply the transitional stage between old and new foliage. It’s often more noticeable in younger plants than in mature specimens, as smaller plants naturally have fewer leaves to begin with.
Spring is the best time to prune an evergreen, just before the new leaves emerge. Pruning at this stage helps move growth hormones from the tips of the branches down to the lower branches. This encourages a bushier and denser growth, which is perfect for creating a screen. Ligustrum japonicum responds particularly well to this approach. We’ve just begun our routine spring pruning of Ligustrum japonicum and Ligustrum lucidum ‘Superbum’. If left unpruned, these plants will naturally shed their old leaves just before producing new ones. However, as the crown matures, the outer edge tends to become denser, as this is where the leaves receive the most sunlight. There’s little point in the tree producing leaves that will be shaded by others. By thinning the crown, more light can penetrate the canopy, encouraging a fuller, bushier shape.
So, the term ‘evergreen’ can be slightly misleading, especially when it comes to broadleaf evergreens. There is a natural transition period when these plants may benefit from a trim and temporarily appear sparse. It’s all part of nature’s cycle, and nothing to be concerned about.
If you’re ordering Tree Ligustrum during April or May, please expect the plants to have been pruned and prepared for vigorous new growth. They may look a little stark at first glance, but rest assured — this is the proper horticultural practice to ensure strong, healthy development and excellent screening potential above fence height.
