How to Trim Shrubs in a Corkscrew Pattern

A topiary is any ornamental plant that is trimmed into a shape or pattern. Properly pruned bushes can become an integral part of any landscape design and will be a center of conversation. It's best to use slow-growing conifers with a pyramidal shape to create a corkscrew or spiral. It's a slow process to get the exact pattern you want, since it's best to trim only 3 inches at a time from the bush. Think of a topiary as a sculpture you are creating in slow motion.

Hedge trimmer
Topiary shears
Masking tape or ribbon

Instructions

- 1
  Be certain there is only 1 leader, or top stem, on the tree or bush. If there is more than 1 leader, cut back the ones you don't want to use.
- 2
  Secure tape or ribbon to the leader at the top of the tree. Wrap the tape or ribbon around the tree in a spiral pattern from top to bottom. Step back and look at your spiral design and adjust, if necessary.
- 3
  Begin to carefully prune away branches following the shape you've created with the tape. Use pruning shears and trim no more than 3 inches at a time.
- 4
  Remove the tape once the shape is well defined and clean up the area you've just carved out, which will further define the shape.
- 5
  Prune the remainder of the tree back 1/2 inch or so with hedge clippers to clean up the rest of the tree.
- 6
  Prune any new growth and continue to shape the spiral throughout the growing season. Protect from direct sunlight for a few weeks immediately after trimming.

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