How to Prune and Shape Small Bushes

Schedule pruning around when the specific shrub flowers. If the plant has early spring flowers, prune it right after it blooms. Pearl bush, crabapples, azaleas and redbuds fall into this category. Prune bushes that are grown for their leaves, such as barberry, dogwood and smokebush, in the spring before the start of growth.

Remove up to 1/3 of growth on older shrubs or those that have been allowed to overgrow. Prune the oldest, thickest stems to the ground. New branches will grow from the roots.

Thin branches through the shrub to improve air and light circulation. Overcrowded branches will prevent sunlight and air from getting to lower branches. Prune branches annually when you notice the canopy get thick.

Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches as soon as you see then. Cut them off just outside the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the two branches connect.

Shape small bushes so there are 8 to 12 inches between branches. This gives them the chance to show fruit or flowers without rubbing or hitting against other branches. Appropriate spacing will also reduce disease and insect infestation.

Cut off all undesirable branches. Remove sprouts and suckers, as well as branches that are too long or hanging too low.

Pinch back growth to control the shape of the plant. Take buds between your thumb and forefinger and snap them off. Do this anywhere you want new growth to form from a side shoot. You are stopping growth in one spot to promote it in another. Pinching will make the small shrub bushier in shape.