Pruning is one of the most important tasks in maintaining a healthy, attractive landscape. Whether you want to boost curb appeal, promote new growth, or prevent disease, proper shrub pruning makes a big difference. However, not all cuts are created equal. Knowing what to do and what not to do can help your plants thrive for years to come.
At Unique Landscaping, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Northeast Ohio keep their yards beautiful with expert shrub trimming and pruning services. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top shrub pruning dos and don’ts, so you can maintain a lush, well-shaped landscape with confidence.
Why Pruning Matters?
Before we dig into the dos and don’ts, let’s talk about why pruning is essential.
- Encourages healthy growth by removing dead or diseased branches.
- Improves appearance by shaping the plant and controlling size.
- Prevents overcrowding, which improves air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
- Boosts flowering and fruiting by stimulating new growth.
Whether you’re learning how to prune bushes or already pruning like a pro, following the right approach matters.
Dos: Best Practices for Pruning Shrubs
1: Use the Right Tools
Always start with the proper tools for the job. Clean, sharp pruning shears, loppers, and pruning saws make clean cuts that heal faster and minimize plant stress.
Tips:
- Disinfect tools before and after pruning to avoid spreading disease.
- Use bypass pruners for most small cuts and loppers for thicker branches.
- Replace or sharpen blades regularly.
2: Prune at the Right Time of Year
Timing is key when pruning shrubs. Prune too early or too late, and you might reduce blooming or expose the plant to disease.
General Guidelines:
- Spring-flowering shrubs: Prune right after they bloom.
- Summer-flowering shrubs: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Evergreens: Prune lightly in early spring or mid-summer.
Bonus Tip: Avoid pruning in the fall. It can trigger new growth that won’t harden off before winter.
3: Follow the 3 D’s Rule
If you’re wondering how to prune bushes effectively, start with the 3 D’s:
- Dead: Cut out anything dead.
- Diseased: Remove infected areas.
- Damaged: Eliminate broken or injured stems.
Tip: Make cuts just above a bud or branch to promote clean regrowth.
4: Know Your Plant’s Growth Habit
Different shrubs grow in different ways. Some bloom on old wood; others, on new. Some need aggressive pruning; others, only a light trim.
Research Before You Cut:
- Hydrangeas: Some bloom on old wood (don’t prune in spring!).
- Boxwoods: Respond well to shaping.
- Lilacs: Need pruning right after flowering.
5: Shape Naturally
Shrubs look best when they maintain their natural form. Use thinning cuts (removing branches at the base) instead of heading cuts (cutting tips off) to shape organically.
Benefits:
- Maintains plant health
- Looks more natural in the landscape
- Prevents the “meatball” effect common with over-shearing
6: Step Back and Assess
After every few cuts, take a step back and examine your work. It’s easy to get carried away, especially when you’re focused on fine details.
Why It Helps:
- Ensures a balanced look
- Prevents accidental over-pruning
- Helps guide your next cuts
7: Call the Professionals When Needed
Not every pruning job is DIY-friendly. If your shrubs are too tall, too dense, or too valuable to risk, consider hiring pros.
When to call:
- Shrubs need rejuvenation pruning
- Trees or tall hedges require professional care
- Unsure how to prune plants and shrubs correctly
Call Unique Landscaping today at (440) 888-1884 for a free consultation!
Don’ts: Common Shrub Pruning Mistakes
1: Shear Everything Like a Hedge
While it might be tempting to grab the hedge trimmers and shear through every shrub, resist the urge. Not all shrubs respond well to shearing.
Why It Matters:
- Shearing cuts leaves instead of stems, often leading to weak and leggy growth.
- It can stress plants that are not meant to be hedges.
Better Alternative: Use selective pruning techniques, especially when learning how to prune plants and shrubs with a natural shape, such as lilacs or viburnums.
2: Ignore Dead or Diseased Wood
One of the most common shrub pruning mistakes is ignoring dead, broken, or diseased branches. Leaving them can harm the entire plant.
What to Watch For:
- Branches with no leaves during the growing season
- Blackened or brittle wood
- Fungus or discoloration
Removing problem branches early prevents the spread of disease and improves overall plant health.
3: Top Off Shrubs Without a Plan
Randomly cutting the tops off your shrubs can ruin their natural shape and encourage weak growth.
Why It Matters:
- Creates flat, unnatural shapes
- Promotes dense growth at the top and bare stems below
- May reduce air flow and sunlight reaching the interior of the plant
Instead: Use selective thinning to maintain structure and airflow. Understand the growth pattern of each plant before you begin.
4: Cut Too Close or Too Far
Where you cut matters. Cutting too close to a bud or too far from it can prevent proper healing or lead to stunted growth.
What to Do:
- Cut about 1/4 inch above a bud that faces the direction you want new growth to go.
- Use an angled cut to prevent water from collecting on the wound.
Avoid:
- Leaving stubs (short, remaining portions of branches or stems after they have been cut or broken off)
- Cutting into the branch collar (where the branch meets the trunk or main stem)
5: Over-Prune
Over-pruning is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. It weakens shrubs, reduces flowering, and can permanently change a plant’s shape.
Warning Signs:
- More than one-third of the plant is removed at once
- Bare patches or yellowing leaves
- Decreased blooms the following season
Golden Rule: Never remove more than 25-30% of a shrub at one time.
6: Prune in Wet Conditions
Pruning when it’s wet increases the risk of spreading disease through spores or bacteria that cling to tools and open wounds.
Ideal Conditions:
- Dry, sunny day
- After the morning dew has dried
Make clean, deliberate cuts and avoid dragging dirty tools from one plant to another.
7: Forget to Mulch and Maintain
Once you’re done pruning, give your shrubs the post-pruning care they need to bounce back strong.
Follow-Up Tips:
- Add mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water deeply if the weather is dry
- Monitor for signs of shock or disease
Learning how to prune bushes is one of the most rewarding ways to care for your yard. By following these 7 dos and don’ts, you’ll support healthy growth, improve plant shape, and keep your landscape looking fresh all season long.
But remember, shrub pruning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Knowing how to prune plants and shrubs correctly can make or break your curb appeal. If you’re ever in doubt, let Unique Landscaping take the guesswork out of it.
Ready to Transform Your Shrubs?
Schedule your free consultation with Unique Landscaping today! We proudly serve homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio, including Aurora, Avon, Brunswick, Westlake, and beyond. Whether you need a seasonal trim or a complete yard makeover, we’re here to help. Contact us now to get started!