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

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

Tetra Images/David Engelhardt / Getty ImagesShrubs 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 ShrubsPruning once a year is enough to keep most shrubs healthy with a pleasing appearance. Established plants benefit from annual pruning …

Pruning for flowering shrubs and trees

Ed Duke and Sam Hand Contributors As a general rule, pruning is best done on small growth, except for the purpose of plant restoration. Mutilating a tree, such as crepe myrtle, by destructive remov…