Raise The Roof

We’re a big fan of raising the canopies of shrubs at Vialii. In this blog we’ll tell you why that’s important, how to do it and some of the best plants to tackle. Here’s how to raise the roof in your garden!…

Contorted hazel (coryllus contorta) looks amazing with its twisty stems on show.

What does raising the canopy mean?

It means taking away the growth (leaves, branches etc) from lower down the main stems and even removing some stems completely to create a better shape for your shrub.

Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) looks at its best with its black stems cleared.

What tools do I need to do this job?

Clean sharp secateurs and a small hand saw are perfect for this job.

Fatsia japonica has a great structure when it is pruned

Why should I do it?

There are lots of benefits of raising the canopy of some of the key shrubs in your garden including:

• Making sure your plant is healthy and any diseased or crossing branches are removed.
• Allowing air and light to pass through your shrub, benefiting the plants itself and those around it.
• Allowing plants to grow underneath the canopy of your shrub.
• Creating an interesting shape with your shrub such as cloud topiary or unveiling its beautiful branches.
• Perfect for creating “clouds” in a Japanese garden.

Osmanthus looking neat and tidy after its trim

How do I do it?

Take time doing this job as once you lop off a whole limb you can’t stick it back on! Start at the bottom removing the foliage and work your way up. Remove any branches that are crossing or are diseased or dead. Keep stepping back to look at the shape making sure you are balanced and even. Then once you are happy with where you have removed the undergrowth to, give the top a good tidy up.

Cornus kousa are another great choice to prune.

What plants are good to do this with?

There are lots and lots of shrubs you can try this out on. Our favourites include:

• Rhododendron
• Sambucus nigra (black elder)
• Phyllostachys nigra (black bamboo)
• Corylus contorta (contorted hazel)
• Cornus kousa
• Cotinus
• Fatsia japonica
• Osmanthus
• Topiary plants such as box, yew, ilex, privet etc

Black elder (sambucus nigra) looks great with its canopy raised.

So what are you waiting for? Go raise the roof in your own garden! Or if you want the look without the effort get in touch and our maintenance team can do this for you.

Vialii

Light can pass through plants such as this smoke bush (cotinus) once the canopy is raised allowing other plants to thrive.