The Art of Trimming Shrubbery

Why Trim Shrubbery?

• The reasons for wanting shrubs trimmed are as varied as people themselves. Some want their shrubs trimmed for looks, to obtain the neat manicured yard. Others want more light into their house or a better view or improved security due to better visibility.

How Meets Why

• Before you can decide how to trim your shrubs you have to know why. What you are trying to achieve will directly affect how you go about it. Trimming to shape a shrub is entirely different than trimming to regain control of an overgrown shrub or opening up window views.

Techniques

• Knowing where to cut is part of the art of shrub trimming. Thinning involves removing entire branches from near the base to open up the top of the shrub to allow more light into the center. This also helps to keep the shrub smaller and more treelike. Choosing the right branch to lop off is part of the art. Heading back cuts back new growth by one half in early summer to stimulate more branching and a fuller look. This provides a formal, manicured look. Shearing is reserved for hedges and sculptured forms where dense growth is desired near the branch tips.