By using our site, you agree to our. If I trim my shrubs will they require more water? If the shrub is small and close to your home or siding, you could also use either as a leveling guide as you cut. Is that advisable rather than wait until the fall? References. I want to make my hedge smaller (shorter and narrower). If you see branches which are already dead or are in the process of dying, you should cut those branches off first. Your neighbors won't see the plant's backside, so feel free to cut back for up to 12 inches of clearance. How and when should rose bushes be trimmed? Prune slightly lower down than you feel really comfortable with; remember, new growth will add additional height over the next six months. With your eye and hand, follow this main branch until it meets a lower side branch that more or less points upwards. It's not ideal to leave ragged edges. It depends on what kind of shrub you have and how much you want to cut. unlocking this expert answer. Remove What is Dead or Dying. However, paying attention to when your plant blooms and pruning … If I trim them way back and remove all dead stuff at base will they die? How do I trim my rose bush if the petals are dead? Heading Back and Other Types of Pruning Cuts, How to Prune Shrub Roses and Knock Out Roses, Low-Maintenance Shrubs You Shouldn't Prune Much, A Rule of Thumb for When to Prune Flowering Shrubs. Pruning at the wrong time won’t damage plants, but it can sacrifice that year's flowers or fruit. Your tools should be sharp enough to leave a straight, clean cut. For information from our Horticultural reviewer on how to remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches from your shrubs, read on! Leaving the collar intact gives your shrub a better chance to callous over and recover from your surgery. This is called renewal or renovation pruning. Always cut branches on a slant, at a 45-degree angle. It depends on how much you need to remove. For blooming shrubs, trim them in the winter when they're dormant to prevent stunting flower growth. Shrubs can make a beautiful addition to any yard or garden, but if left to grow on their own, can look out of control. Eyeball the bush and locate the tallest main branch. You should remove all dead or dying branches to keep the plant healthy, but avoid removing more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Be sure to use a hand saw to remove thick branches. Shrubs that get abundant light and air circulation are healthier than shrubs with compact centers. In general, you can prune flowering plants at any time. Try to cut the sides at a slight angle so the base is wider than the top, which makes the shrub look more balanced and lets sunlight reach all the branches. Because plants need water to survive, any shrubs touching your home could cause water damage over time. Prune spring-flowering shrubs right after they bloom, giving them the rest of the growing season to develop new branches and buds, since these bloom on old wood, or last season's growth. Pruning Shrubs . Avoid doing extensive trimming when it is not your shrub's trimming season. If you have large shrubs, use an extended-reach hedge trimmer to reach the top. Start by using hand shears and lopping shears to remove any old stems on the shrub. According to the University of NH extension, "Yew, hemlock, and arborvitae will produce growth from dormant buds on old wood." For a natural look, use the technique known as "heading back." What is the best time of the year to trim bushes? Remove any part of the stem or branch that is brown, dried out, or discolored. % of people told us that this article helped them. "But if you miss the ideal time to prune, you can always wait until the shrub's flowers brown out," says This Old House … Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 181,061 times. On younger shrubs, prune branches back to nonflowering shoots or back to healthy buds pointing in the direction you want the shrub to grow -- typically away from the center. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. You'll need a small powered chainsaw, a wood saw, or metal hacksaw for thicker branches and trunks. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Those that don’t get the regular maintenance pruning they need become leggy and overgrown. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. You can trim trees and shrubs in the spring with the exception of maples, birches and elms. Should I trim behind the knobs on the bushes that are growing around my front door? Pruning Flowering Trees, Shrubs, and Vines . For bushes in foundation plantings, prune away any branches rubbing against the house or wall. It is mid summer now. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. This is fine, as long as you do not overdo it. To trim a shrub, start by cutting in smooth, even strokes near the bottom of the shrub and working your way to the top. If you move into a new home and find the backyard filled with badly overgrown shrubs, it’s time to learn about rejuvenating shrubs with pruning. If you're growing a hedge, trim it when the branches look overgrown until about 6 weeks before your area's usual first frost. Can I cut them down enough so the stone work can be seen? This article has been viewed 181,061 times. Cut the main branch off just above the smaller one. Recognizing and Controlling Watersprouts in Trees and Shrubs. Examine your shrub for blooms to determine when you should trim it. How is this done without risk of killing the hedge? It's easiest to see the branching structure at this time of year, and you're less likely to spread diseases through the pruning wounds. Prune shade trees like oak, linden, and ash when they are dormant in winter. Elms can only be pruned in winter to help prevent transmission of Dutch elm disease. Rejuvenate fan-shaped (or "vase-shaped") deciduous bushes such as forsythia, lilacs and bush-form roses by cutting back a third of all branches right down to the ground each year. Although hedge trimmers are quicker to use, hand shears usually do more thorough and precise work while trimming. For flowering plants, however, avoid doing extensive trimming until its dormant season. Some shrub varieties are known to grow 10 ft (3 m) or higher. Get the regular maintenance pruning they need become leggy and overgrown damage plants, they! 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