Are you afraid to step up to the shrub?

Well, you should be. A lot of people are afraid of shrub pruning. That’s because when you look at your shrub, it doesn’t really look like it has pruning needs.

Shrubs are much easier to maintain and prune than many people give them credit for, though. We’re going to walk you through all the basics of pruning shrubs.

That way, you’ll have all the confidence you need to get in there and trim bushes right away.

Do’s of Pruning Shrubs

When pruning shrubs, your goal should be to keep the shape of the shrub and remove branches or limbs that are dead, diseased, or interfere with the shape or growth of the bush. Here are some dos of pruning shrubs.

1. Do Prune at the Right Time

It’s important to prune at the right time of the year for each type of shrub. Shrubs are best pruned in early spring before new growth begins. 

Pruning during this time can also help create healthy flower buds for the next season. Late fall pruning is to be avoided to reduce the risk of winter damage from cold winter winds. 

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2. Do Use the Right Tools

Use a sharp pair of bypass pruners when cutting stems. This will ensure a clean and smooth cut. Loppers are also useful for larger stems and branches. Ensure the cutting blades are sharp and that they are the right size for the job. Use scissors or hedge shears to cut larger shrubbery.

Rechargeable electric shearers are also available, although these are best used for larger and more mature plants. A hand saw with a curved blade for larger branches and limbs. This will help ensure that the cut is safe and clean.

Don’ts of Pruning Shrubs

It can be daunting, so before you begin, it’s important to make sure you are performing the right pruning techniques for a beautiful garden. There are important don’ts that you should be aware of. 

1. Don’t Neglect Safety Precautions

It is best not to prune shrubs without the proper safety equipment; gloves, safety glasses, and a breathing mask are all important items that one should have on hand. One should never neglect to check the power source of the pruning tools being used to avoid electrocution. Long sleeves and pants should also be worn to avoid coming into contact with any sharp objects in the branches. 

2. Don’t Leave Stubs or Make Rough Cuts

It is essential to avoid leaving stubs or making rough cuts. Doing so can expose the shrub to disease and permanently damage its structure and health.

Instead of making flush cuts near the trunk, cuts should be made a few inches away from the branch’s collar, leaving the collar intact. This allows the woody tissue to heal more quickly without unseemly stumps. 

Pruning Shrubs For A Beautiful Garden

The right combination of pruning dos and don’ts can give your garden the boost needed to look beautiful. Remember to prune carefully, avoid over-pruning, and don’t be afraid to check in with the pros if you’re unsure.

With these dos and don’ts in mind, you can ensure that your garden is healthy and full of life! Start pruning shrubs smarter today and see the difference.

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