How to Prune Ligustrum Trees Into Shapes

Remove the bulk of the ligustrum’s branches, shaping it into the rough shape you desire, in an initial pass with the pruning shears. Cut away any branches that are dead or dying during this pass. Remove any shoots at the base of the plant, known as suckers, at the ground. Observe the shape from a distance, at several angles, before concluding this pass to ensure you do not miss anything. For example, if you are sculpting a sphere, cut the tree into a rough, round shape. This creates the basic shape for you to work with, laying the framework for your sculpted ligustrum.

Sculpt the ligustrum into the shape you desire in a second pass with the pruning shears. Following the previous example of a spherical privet, smooth the orb on the second pass, removing any rough angles or protruding branches.

Stand a distance from the tree and determine what changes you would like to make in your third and final pass with the pruning shears. Make the changes as you go, walking away from the tree after each one to observe its new shape. Continue this process until you have created your desired appearance.

Trim away long branches and protruding leaves whenever new growth obstructs your sculpted shape, or once every two to four weeks. Make changes you desire during the touch-up trimmings, altering its shape if you wish. Based on the example of a sphere, a face could be added during a maintenance trim or the shape could be changed into an oval.