Shrub pruning is a way to control the growth, size, shape, and look of a woody plant that can grow unchecked and become a nuisance because it takes up too much space in a yard. Excessive pruning can do damage to the plant itself, but can also reduce flower and fruit formation. Landscaping professionals know the seasonal adjustments that have to be made for blooming and fruiting shrubs and can perform essential trimming and pruning without adversely affecting the plant.

In general, the best time for shrub pruning is between late spring and late summer, but pruning of flowering and fruiting shrubs must be timed to coincide with their non-flowering stage. Thinning old wood and heading back gangly branches are an essential part of landscape maintenance. Either consulting or hiring a landscaping company about shrub pruning is a good idea because each species of these woody plants has different requirements for trimming and pruning.

Shrub Pruning and Topiary

Americans might be surprised to learn that topiary has been practiced since Roman times, since this art has only recently taken hold in this country. Europeans have used this art form for training and shaping plants for hundreds of years because it has such practical effects.

Fruit trees can be trained to espaliers, which are grown flat against a wall, thus conserving space and possibly covering a defect. Hedges and shrubs can be shaped into any form that appeals to property owners, from balls to cones to animal shapes. Sculptured topiary uses ivy or other plants to shape into exotic animals or other forms. The varied plants and shapes of topiary make it useful in many situations in the yard.