How to Prune Lower Branches of a Rhododendron

Rhododendron has long been a popular shrub in the home landscape. Because of its longevity, this can be a good thing if the plants have been properly maintained or a nightmare if they have not been. An overgrown rhododendron is often best pruned back into shape by cutting up the lower branches and creating a more tree-like form. While this may sound daunting, the procedure is simple. It will require a careful hand so as not to cut too much material from the shrub.

Hand-held pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Crawl under the rhododendron and look upward into its structure. Reach up with a pair of hand-held pruners and remove any dead branches. Remove excessive cross-branches or branches that appear damaged or weak. Prune rhododendron branches flush with the main trunk or trunks; never leave stubs.
- 2
  Decide how many of the bottom limbs you wish to remove. Consider the size and structure of the rhododendron -- a shorter plant may be more attractive with fewer limbs removed, depending on the overall landscaping. Use hand-held pruners to cut small lower limbs flush with the trunk of the plant, stopping frequently to check that the plant is trimmed evenly.
- 3
  Watch the plant after you've cut out the lower branches -- rhododendrons sometimes resprout from the bottom, near the crown. Remove any errant sprouts that appear, cutting them flush with the plant's trunk.

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