Neglected shrubs might look like a lost cause, but they may just be waiting for a fresh start.

Shrubs often get the short end of the stick when it comes to landscape care. They’re not quite trees and not quite flowers, making them easy to overlook. But those overgrown, spindly, or bare-branched bushes don’t have to be eyesores. With a little TLC (and some expert support), even neglected shrubs can come back strong and deliver the beauty your yard deserves.

At HillSide Lawn Service, we’ve seen it all—from leafless masses to bug-bitten plants barely hanging on. Whether you’re dealing with a flowering shrub that’s stopped blooming or a bush that’s showing signs of stress, here’s how to revive and restore your landscape’s hidden gems.

Step 1: Diagnose the damage.

The first step in bringing neglected shrubs back to life is figuring out what’s going on. Are they simply overgrown? Struggling with drought stress? Showing signs of disease or pest damage? Look for common red flags such as:

• Sparse leaves or bare branches
• Discoloration, spots, or wilting
• Visible insects or webs
• Mold or fungus at the base
• Split or cracked limbs
• No blooms on flowering shrubs

A solid diagnosis sets the stage for proper recovery. And while you can take a stab on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure what you’re looking at. Misdiagnosing the problem can waste time and make it worse.

Step 2: Prune smart, not hard.

Neglected shrubs often benefit from rejuvenation pruning, but the timing and technique are important. Late winter or early spring is best for most varieties, especially if you’re trying to encourage beautiful blooms. Start by:

• Cutting out all dead, damaged, or diseased branches
• Removing any crossing or rubbing limbs
• Thinning dense growth to improve airflow and light

If you’re working with fast-growing or evergreen shrubs, gentle shaping can encourage fuller, healthier growth without stressing the plant. Resist the urge to hack everything back at once, especially for shrubs that lose their leaves in the fall. It may be better to spread major pruning over two growing seasons.

Step 3: Feed and refresh.

Once trimmed, it’s time to give shrubs a nutritional boost. Many neglected plants are starved for nutrients, especially if the soil has been depleted or compacted. Focus on replenishment by adding:

• A slow-release horticultural fertilizer (preferably applied in spring or fall)
• Organic compost around the base to enrich the soil
• Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Don’t pile mulch up against the base of the shrub; that can trap moisture and cause rot. This is especially important for maintenance shrubs and other hearty varieties that can thrive with minimal upkeep.

Step 4: Water with care.

After a deep cut and a fresh feeding, your shrubs need consistent hydration to bounce back.

• Water deeply 1–2 times a week (adjust based on rainfall and soil type)
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to reach roots directly
• Avoid daily light watering, which encourages shallow roots

If you’ve recently fertilized or added compost, watering helps carry nutrients to the roots where they’re needed most. Even drought-tolerant plants benefit from occasional deep watering, especially during recovery.

Time to call in the pros?

You can tackle a lot on your own, but not everything. If you’re facing widespread dieback, stubborn pest infestations, or you simply don’t know where to begin, professional help is the smartest choice.

At HillSide Lawn Service, our team offers expert shrub fertilization and pest control as part of our comprehensive lawn care programs. While we don’t provide large-scale tree services, we’re well equipped to help you care for smaller ornamental shrubs, foundation plantings, and landscape design enhancements. And when a referral to a certified arborist is needed, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Not sure what your shrubs need?

It’s hard to tell what can be saved without a trained eye. That’s where we come in. Our specialists can help you:

• Identify what’s stressing your bushes
• Recommend treatments to restore health
• Apply high-quality, well-timed fertilizers
• Prevent future pest or disease issues

We’ll help you understand what’s going on and what to do next. Every program we offer is tailored to specific needs, starting with a free lawn and landscape analysis. We inspect your property to assess stressors, identify pests or disease, and build a custom plan to bring your shrubs and yard back to life.

While neglected shrubs may look hopeless, the right care and conditions can often help them thrive again. With a few smart steps and help from the pros, your yard can go from overgrown to outstanding.

Ready to restore your landscape to its full potential? Call HillSide Lawn Service at 410.399.2207 or visit Hillsidelawn.com to schedule your free assessment.

About HillSide Lawn Service: Since 1994, HillSide Lawn Service has offered expert lawn care, including aeration and overseeding and tree and shrub care. With a focus on sustainable, science-based methods and personalized service, HillSide is the trusted source for creating green, healthy lawns throughout Maryland, Delaware and parts of Pennsylvania. For more information or to request a free estimate, visit www.hillsidelawn.com or call 410-399-2207.