How to Redirect Sunlight for Plants
Sunlight is necessary for plant and tree growth. Some plants require full sun eight hours a day, while others need sun in the morning and shade in the afternoons, and still others like a shady position all day long. Pruning can allow light to reach more areas of a plant or tree, giving the plant more sunlight without moving its location. Mirrors placed in specific spots can also redirect light toward a shaded plant. Adding taller plants or decorations to the garden can increase shade where it's needed.
Thin the tree canopies to open them up and let more light reach more branches and any plants or grass below the tree. Remove branches that grow vertically, across other branches, or at odd angles. Remove other smaller branches for space. Make cuts just outside the branch collar at the base of the branch.
Prune shrubs to lightly taper, with the top narrower than the bottom. Prune shrubs after flowering or before new growth appears in the spring, depending on the shrub type. Use hedge clippers for hedge shrubs or pruning shears for bushy cane shrubs. Make cuts on canes just outside a bud or leaf node.
Place mirrors around the yard or garden to direct more light to plants that are not getting enough sun. Hang the mirrors on trees or buildings or prop them on the ground.
Stand a few feet from the plant in the area you wish to place the mirror in the morning. Rotate the mirror until the sun is directed on to the plant, then fix the mirror in the spot.
Plant taller plants or bushes next to smaller plants to provide more shade. Plant full sun bushes to give partial shade to the smaller plants in full sun areas, or partial shade bushes near shade plants in partial shade areas.
Place yard decorations such as small statues near plants that need more shade. Use fences, trellises, arbors or netting to block sun from larger areas of the lawn or garden.
- Pruning shears
- Pruning saw
- Hedge clippers
- Do not place mirrors too close to plants or direct bright sunlight, as this may burn the plants.
- Mulch film can be purchased to reflect sunlight from the ground up to plants.
- A light pruning can be done throughout the year with most trees, with heavier pruning done after flowering or in the winter while the tree is dormant.
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