Pruning Too Often—or Not Enough? Here’s How Often Shrubs Really Need a Trim

Shrubs require more maintenance than bedding or potted plants, with pruning the main task to keep them looking good.

Consider these general guidelines for how often and how much to prune, along with technique tips and common mistakes to avoid.

How Often to Prune Your Shrubs

Pruning once a year is enough to keep most shrubs healthy with a pleasing appearance. Established plants benefit from annual pruning right around the time of bud break in the spring. There are exceptions, though. Bloom time and growth rate impact when and how often to prune.

Hedges and rapidly growing evergreens may need repeated trimming throughout the growing season to maintain size and shape. Wait until the bloom period ends to prune shrubs that flower on last year’s growth.

Shrubs like rhododendrons that look best left to grow naturally rarely need to be pruned. Give newly planted shrubs at least one growing season before pruning.

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How Much Pruning Do Shrubs Need

The type of shrub determines how much to prune. Plants like butterfly bush and smooth hydrangea put up new shoots from the crown and benefit from pruning to ground level.

This is called rejuvenation pruning and is done in late winter or early spring for shrubs that flower on new wood. Overgrown shrubs, like lilacs, can also be improved with rejuvenation pruning.

For most other shrubs, use the one-third rule for pruning. When to prune differs between those that bloom on new or old wood.

Hedge shrubs, like boxwood and privet, can grow rapidly in spring and summer, depending on the variety. To maintain shape and size, light monthly pruning may be required during the growing period.

Removing dead, diseased, and crossing or rubbing branches can be done anytime to keep plants healthy.

How to Prune Shrubs the Right Way

Correct tools make pruning easier and cause less stress on your plants. A good hand pruner is essential for heading back smaller branches. Long-handled loppers remove hard-to-reach areas and problem branches at their base. Choose a pruning saw for cutting thicker branches. Keep the pruning tool sharpened and clean.

1. A good place to begin is to remove dead, diseased or crossing branches entirely. When annual pruning is done before a shrub fully leafs out, it’s much easier to identify problem areas. Make concise cuts at a 45-degree angle about 1/8- to 1/4-inch from the trunk.
2. Remove suckers. These new branches usually grow straight up and start from or near the base of the plant. Cut as close to the trunk or initiating branch as possible. Suckers can regrow with several new stems when not entirely taken out.
3. Look at the middle of the plant. If branches are dense and overlap, make some thinning cuts to improve air circulation. Make these cuts 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the main trunk.
4. Head back overly long branches or those that otherwise exceed the desired shape. Make cuts above an outward-facing bud as close to the bud as possible.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

• Prune at the right time. Wait to deadhead and cut back shrubs that flower on old wood. Otherwise you could remove the current season’s flowers.
• Avoid pruning too late in the season. Pruning stimulates new growth prone to winter damage.
• Make concise cuts. Ragged cuts and peeling bark invite insect pests.
• Avoid pruning above inward-facing buds. This stimulates branching toward the center.
• Remember the shrub’s specific growth pattern and the shape you want to create. Over-pruning is a common mistake and can permanently alter the shrub’s growth pattern. Stick to the 1/3 rule when heavy pruning is needed.