Techniques for How to Clip Trees & Hedges Into Ornamental Shapes

Green Architecture

• Architectural shrubs divide space and contribute three-dimensional mass to landscapes. Plan for overall shape and read up on pruning from an authority such as Purdue University's Cooperative Extension. Shear privet, Thuja and other small-leaved shrubs or evergreen trees into a basic shapes beginning when they are young. Use hedge shears for overall shape and prune back fast-growing branches with loppers or a pruning saw. Sculpt shrubs to slope tops gently to deflect weather and make bases wider to catch enough light for good growth. Avoid cutting back into the woody areas; many shrubs will not re-foliage inner branches. As the shrub grows larger, use hand shears to add detail like niches and archways into the hedge. Shear plants that serve as architectural pieces several times during the growing season, beginning in spring, to keep them neat.

Topiary

• Topiary is one of the most time-consuming forms of ornamental pruning, but provides fascinating accents, especially for formal gardens. Plan topiary pieces carefully before planting; you can always remove plant material, but it takes years to grow it back. Begin general shaping with hand shears when you plant a shrub or small tree. Shape plants as cones or columns each season for several years before beginning cuts to form twists, balls or other shapes. James Crebbins-Bailey, a specialist in sculptural topiary, recommends sculpting final forms with topiary shears, a set of spring-operated blades whose lack of fulcrum provides complete control for fine detail work. Plant shrubs or trees together for large forms; use structural supports to provide guides for sculpting detail as plants mature. Groom mature topiary several times each season with topiary shears to maintain definition and add detail.

Espalier

• Espaliered plants grow flat against walls or fences. Fruit trees and vines are favorites for this technique, but you can also espalier flowering trees and shrubs, such as magnolias or forsythia. North Carolina State University's Extension Service recommends starting with a young plant trained for espalier or removing branches from opposing sides of a small plant to start. Plant the tree or shrub against a wall or trellis where it receives enough sunlight, attach the branches with brackets and tie wires across the plant to train branches to lie flat. Remove branches that grow outward or across existing branches, and trim the espaliered branches to form a pleasing geometric shape. Use toothpicks or wooden pins to prop branches outward from the leader; remove training aids as the plant matures. Prune fruits or flowering woody plants in early spring or summer, as appropriate for the variety.