How to Trim Shrubs and Hedges
Overgrown, shapeless shrubs make your entire landscape look neglected. Proper pruning creates structure, encourages healthy growth, and transforms unruly bushes into manicured design elements.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2-4 hours
Cost
$50-$150 (tools)
Difficulty
Medium
Essential Pruning Tools
Hand Pruners (Secateurs)
For stems up to 3/4 inch diameter. Bypass style (scissor action) makes clean cuts. Worth investing in quality ($30-60). Felco and Corona are professional brands.
Loppers
Long handles for stems 3/4 to 2 inches diameter. Extends reach into shrub interior. Choose bypass style with ratcheting mechanism for thick branches ($40-80).
Hedge Shears
For formal hedges and shaping. Manual or electric. Electric faster but less precise. Gas-powered for large hedges ($80-300).
Pruning Saw
For branches over 2 inches. Folding saw fits in pocket. Essential for rejuvenation pruning ($20-40).
Pruning Timing by Shrub Type
Golden Rule: Prune spring-flowering shrubs AFTER they bloom. Prune summer-flowering shrubs in late winter/early spring before new growth.
Prune After Spring Flowering (April-May)
Forsythia, lilac, azalea, rhododendron, viburnum, weigela. These bloom on last year's wood - pruning before flowering removes flower buds.
Prune Late Winter/Early Spring (Feb-March)
Rose of Sharon, butterfly bush, beautyberry, crape myrtle, spiraea. These bloom on current year's growth.
Prune Late Spring (May-June)
Evergreens: boxwood, yew, juniper, arborvitae. Wait for new growth to harden off.
Professional Pruning Techniques
1. The 1/3 Rule
Never remove more than 1/3 of plant's total mass in one season. Severe pruning shocks plant and stimulates excessive weak growth.
2. Cut at 45-Degree Angle
Angled cuts shed water and heal faster than flat cuts. Cut 1/4 inch above outward-facing bud to direct new growth outward.
3. Remove Dead, Diseased, Damaged First
Start by cutting out the 3 D's: Dead, Diseased, Damaged wood. Cut back to healthy tissue or ground level.
4. Thin for Air and Light
Remove crossing branches and dense interior growth. Air circulation prevents disease. Sunlight penetration encourages healthy foliage throughout plant.
5. Shape Naturally
For informal shrubs, follow plant's natural form. Don't force unnatural shapes. Step back frequently to assess overall shape.
Formal Hedge Shaping
Hedges require different approach than informal shrubs. Goal is uniform surface, not individual plant shape.
Trapezoid Shape Is Critical
Hedge must be wider at bottom than top. This allows sunlight to reach lower branches, preventing bare bottoms.
Correct Profile:
- • Bottom: 100% width
- • Middle: 95% width
- • Top: 85-90% width
Tool: Use string lines and stakes to mark straight edges. Electric hedge trimmer for efficiency on large hedges.
Rejuvenating Overgrown Shrubs
3-Year Renovation Plan
For severely overgrown shrubs that haven't been pruned in years:
Year 1 (First Spring)
Remove 1/3 of oldest, largest stems at ground level. Shorten remaining stems by 1/3.
Year 2 (Second Spring)
Remove half of remaining old stems. Shape new growth from year 1.
Year 3 (Third Spring)
Remove final old stems. Plant now renewed with young, vigorous growth.
Note: Some shrubs (forsythia, spirea, weigela) tolerate hard renovation - cutting entire plant to 12 inches. Research your specific plant before attempting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to trim shrubs?
Timing depends on bloom schedule. Spring-blooming shrubs (forsythia, lilac, azalea): trim immediately AFTER flowering. Summer-blooming shrubs (rose of sharon, butterfly bush): trim in late winter/early spring. Evergreens: trim in late spring after new growth hardens. Never remove more than 1/3 of plant at once.
How do I fix overgrown shrubs?
Severely overgrown shrubs need rejuvenation pruning over 2-3 years. Year 1: Remove 1/3 of oldest, largest stems at ground level. Year 2: Remove half of remaining old stems. Year 3: Remove final old stems. This gradual approach maintains some foliage while encouraging new growth from base. Alternatively, some shrubs tolerate hard renovation - cutting entire plant to 6-12 inches. Research your specific plant first.
Ready for the Next Step?
With neatly trimmed shrubs, add colorful annuals to beds for seasonal interest.