Most lilacs don’t require pruning until they reach about six to eight feet (2-2.5 m.) tall. When pruning bushes, remember what some arborists call the “4 Ds.” Start trimming bushes with the dead and damaged branches, because they make the plant look bad, and encourage rot and disease. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Easy to Care for Small Evergreen Shrubs and Bushes. Use a cloth measuring tape on a flat surface to determine the exact length and width of what you eventually want your bush to look like. Unlock this expert answer by supporting wikiHow, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/trees-shrubs-vines/care/what-to-prune-when/, https://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/pruning-hedges/project, http://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2017/06/the-correct-or-proper-way-to-trim-shrubs/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd4elZ7eglI&feature=youtu.be&t=12, https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1781&context=extension_histall, https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Properly trimmed and pruned plants not only look better, they are also often healthier than their unkempt counterparts. If you're growing a hedge, trim it when the branches look overgrown until about 6 weeks before your area's usual first frost. We just moved and our new house has shrubs. Trimming Bushes with an Electric Trimmer. Always cut branches on a slant, at a 45-degree angle. Note that most formal hedges will need to be trimmed three or four times annually to maintain a neat, manicured appearance. Submitted by Roy on May 24, 2016 - 4:04am. How and When to Trim Your Bushes: 1. Hedgerow Trimming. The size of the bush should impact the amount you charge to trim it. Types Of Plants We Prune. Barberry (Berberis spp.) Whether you're a budding gardener or veteran floriculturist, there's no shame in wanting to take the easy way out with your backyard foliage.That's where these low-maintenance shrubs and bushes come in. Consistent with its tree-like shape, these plants should be pruned in the same manner that most small trees are handled. Keep in mind that not all of your plants must go into the ground. For a natural look, use the technique known as "heading back. Each requires different techniques, tools, and timing for proper trimming and healthy plants. If you have made a good, angled cut at the proper time, each species will safely heal its wounds without damage from frost, insects or disease. Whether the plant flowers is an important factor, O’Malley explains, as different flowering shrubs will look better when pruned before flowering while others, including lilacs, will look better when flowering naturally and pruned after. Furthermore, I recommend trimming your bush in the early summer after new growth has been hardened off and before the weather becomes too hot. Bushes, shrubs, and hedges are often used interchangeably to describe the plants in your yard but there are some differences. Cut the sides at a slight angle. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. When trimming shrubs, I like to keep the crown open to allow light penetration. These should be the first to go. Shrub trimming (or pruning) is a routine maintenance task for many types of shrubs, and may further be necessary for any type of shrub due to safety concerns or to … For extremely large bushes, you may be required to stand on a ladder to complete the trim, while a smaller bush can be trimmed from the ground and may only take 10 minutes time. The principal rule when it comes … Trimming shrubs can be done, in most cases, by amateur gardeners. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Japanese tree lilacs generally require little, if any, pruning until they are about 3 years old. 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. Trimming Flowering Bushes, Hedges. Trimming rose bushes removes diseased and dead stems and canes and reduces the overall size of the plant. Many small hedge trimmers run on electricity and could be corded or cordless. Pick the Right Time of Year. Take a Look at What is Going On. These evergreens have small leaves, and they grow slowly and densely which makes them a perfect blank canvas for trimming into anything. Keep them within bounds by pruning their tips or entire canes anytime. Consider using anvil pruners and bypass loppers, which allow even smaller hands to cut branches up to one and a half inches thick. We provide both trimming and pruning services for residents and businesses located in the Jackson County, MI area. However, if you're looking for those precision cuts, a hedge trimmer will best serve your purposes. A hedge trimmer can save you a lot of time and effort trimming shrubs, bushes, and hedges in the garden. This article has been viewed 181,146 times. And if you are old or just can’t handle heavy tools, a small hedge trimmer can help you get done with those small trimming jobs with ease. (We know, not everyone has the time or talents to maintain a flourishing flower bed year-round.) Butterfly Bush appears dead. The best time for pruning lilac bushes is right after their flowering has ceased. "Helped me realize that I need to hire a gardener, thanks.". 5) 2014 was an unusual year weather wise. "Eyeball the bush and locate the tallest main branch. Hi, Lise: Great question, thanks! Begin by pruning away dead or damaged branches with a pruning shear, lopper, or a saw. Repeat the process with this and all main branches, stepping back now and then—maybe even across the street—to assess the results. Note that most formal hedges will need to be trimmed three or four times annually to maintain a neat, manicured appearance. If your plant is a non-flowering shrub, you can trim it without any problems during the summer. Forsythia is perhaps the poster child for this warning. I have old shrubs in my RV park. You'll need, for example, to remove spent flowers from roses throughout their bloom time. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. After reading this list of our favorite small evergreen shrubs, grab a pencil and paper and plot out where you can place your favorites. Trimming Flowering Bushes, Hedges. Your shrub should stay about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) away from your home to prevent water damage. Tips for trimming boxwood hedges Should I wait until fall to trim back my blue spruce shrub? It depends on what kind of shrub you have and how much you want to cut. A chainsaw can be used to trim bushes, hedges and shrubs. Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to having the best garden in the neighborhood. A wild hedge indicates very poor maintenance. A hedge trimmer is ideal for cutting the shrub's height because running it over the top will give you a smoother finish. One doesn’t need to be an expert at pruning, when it comes to this bush. They require trimming and pruning to maintain a healthy shape. Use small, hand pruners rather than large shears, since this will allow you to keep the natural shape of the plant. Avoid doing extensive trimming when it is not your shrub's trimming season. Last Updated: March 25, 2020 Research common pests or diseases your shrub might suffer from and keep an eye out for early signs of damage. How to Prune Snowball Bushes. ; Trim nonflowering plants after new growth has completely formed. The term “snowball bush” is an example of the confusion caused by the use of common plant names based on appearance or … Whether the plant flowers is an important factor, O’Malley explains, as different flowering shrubs will look better when pruned before flowering while others, including lilacs, will look better when flowering naturally and pruned after. Routinely trimming your shrubs can help them look well-maintained and prevent them from damaging your home's siding. A chainsaw can be used to trim bushes, hedges and shrubs. Whether you're a budding gardener or veteran floriculturist, there's no shame in wanting to take the easy way out with your backyard foliage.That's where these low-maintenance shrubs and bushes come in. Though a holly bush's rich green foliage can decorate a garden year-round, you may need to trim your shrub to keep it shapely. Shrubs can make a beautiful addition to any yard or garden, but if left to grow on their own, can look out of control. If I trim my shrubs will they require more water? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Begin cutting near the bottom of the shrub and work your way to the top. To remove them, you need to buy a plow (you can't use a cultivator / harrow nor subsoilers).A plow has the option to create new fields - this also removes any bushes.Use a plow in the place with bushes and get rid of them. Pruning large branches. This holly is easy to care for because this species is tolerant of humidity, heat, and drought. And if you are old or just can’t handle heavy tools, a small hedge trimmer can help you get done with those small trimming jobs with ease. Properly trimmed and pruned plants not only look better, they are also often healthier than their unkempt counterparts. For information from our Horticultural reviewer on how to remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches from your shrubs, read on! We trim bushes, hedges, and small trees in the Jackson, Hanover, Clarklake, and other nearby communities in Michigan. Remove small branches (suction cups) that grow in the center or bottom of the bush. Trimming rose bushes removes diseased and dead stems and canes and reduces the overall size of the plant. If the bushes in your foundation plantings are overgrown, you may have the urge to start hacking away at them. The time you take to trim a small bush -- about the size of a basketball -- and a large one varies tremendously. To keep the procedure of trimming simple and easy we will discuss it … When it comes to how to prune a shrub, good pruning tools are a must-have. What is the best time of the year to trim bushes? Unexpectedly, the pruning did not initiate grow on the current years growth. unlocking this expert answer. If yours looks like it will be on the taller side and you want it shorter, you’ll need to prune it to keep it small. Cut the main branch off just above the smaller one. While not as effective as a hedge trimmer, a chainsaw can cut fast enough to trim through lighter woods. Rainwater slides off a slanted cut. ; You can do light trimming throughout the year. PRUNING TOOLS What You'll Need for Pruning Shrubs + Hedge Trimming. Easy to Care for Small Evergreen Shrubs and Bushes. Many small shrubs such as lavender, and heathers (Calluna, Erica) are generally short-lived and will need replacing after 10 years or so. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. How is this done without risk of killing the hedge? How to Prune a Mugo Pine. The following hedge-trimming tips and techniques are useful for most varieties of shrubs and bushes, regardless of what type of trimmer you’re using. For some fruit trees, you'll make many small, precise cuts each dormant season. They were beautiful. Items needed to prune a dwarf lilac bush include rubbing alcohol and pruning shears or loppers. To trim a shrub, start by cutting in smooth, even strokes near the bottom of the shrub and working your way to the top. Boxwood, ivy, privet, and yew are the most popular shrubs to shape into topiary forms. We planted 3 butterfly bushes last year. Elms can only be pruned in winter to help prevent transmission of Dutch elm disease. Can I cut them down enough so the stone work can be seen? There is a dispute amongst gardeners as to when is the best time of year to prune your... 2. Remove small branches (suction cups) that grow in the center or bottom of the bush. ; Clip summer flowering plants in winter or early spring. Minimal new growth is 3-4 very small leaves. Soon enough, you’ll be on your way to having the best garden in the neighborhood. On the contrary, if you can’t, they will behave rudely. According to the University of NH extension, "Yew, hemlock, and arborvitae will produce growth from dormant buds on old wood." It depends on how much you need to remove. Hedges are all-natural fences which are easy to create with the help of a professional. Many small hedge trimmers run on electricity and could be corded or cordless. They should be pruned throughout the year. 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