Pruning Ground Covers
Pruning ground covers is usually necessary only to remove unhealthy tissue or awkward or straggling branches, or to keep a plant from becoming too invasive. Vigorous ground covers include honeysuckle, goutweed, snow-in-summer, wintercreeper and English ivy.
Certain plants - such as honeysuckle, pachysandra, euonymus and English ivy - should be mowed or cut back to 5 to 6 inches in height every year or two to keep the beds vigorous, neat and more pest free. Be sure to use sharp cutting equipment.
This article was prepared by students and professors at Michigan State University Extension, Home Horticulture.
