How to Trim Myrtles

Myrtle trees are known for their bright, beautiful flowers and thin branches. They originally grew in India and now enjoy widespread popularity across the U.S. These beautiful trees can grow up to 60 feet in the wild, and can quickly become unruly in your backyard or neighborhood without the proper care. Trimming or pruning can be done any time of the year, but should be carefully timed if you wish to maximize or minimize flowering.

Hand pruning shears
Saw

Instructions

- 1
  Cut or clip away the underlying growth attached to the base of the tree, called suckers, and break away any weak branches with pruning shears or a saw. You may need to set up a ladder to reach the uppermost part of the tree.
- 2
  Prune the blooming areas of the tree in the springtime. By clipping these areas of new growth, you encourage more flowering in the summertime and will have a multiplying effect on the number of flower buds.
- 3
  Remove the oldest or tallest branches of the tree if growth has slowed. Continue down from that point until approximately one-third of the branches are gone.
- 4
  Cut away any additional branches to restore a symmetrical appearance to the tree. Shorten any others that are much taller than the others so that all have an equivalent height.

Types of Juniper Plants

Landscaping Ideas for Sunny Corners

Landscaping Plants