What are the basic techniques to pruning shrubs?

Question

I just moved into a foreclosure, it had been abandoned to almost 2 years. The shrubs and trees are all over grown. I never had to cut any trees back or shrubs at my apartment. What are the basic rules to follow when doing this? Can I just cut them as small as I want even if its just stubs left? Will it fill back out next year?

Answer 1

Rule of thumb is to cut back 1/3 of the growth. Contact your local extension service for a brochure on the topic.

Answer 2

Here's some illustrations & directions on how to prune:
http://www.wilsonbrosnursery.com/PruningShrubs.html
The best time to prune deciduous shrubs that do not bloom in Spring is late winter. Wait to prune shrubs that flower in Spring until after they bloom. The goal is to remove all but 1/3 of the plants shoots.
1. Start by removing long shoots coming up from base ...that spoil the shrub's shape and appearance.
2. Remove all branches that are lying on the ground as well as all the broken, diseased, dead, or criscrossing branches.
3. Thin out about 1/3 of the oldest branches, leaving no stubs. After blooming the next season cut out about 1/3 of the oldest and all of the dead branches and repeat year after year.

Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Different shrubs need different kinds of pruning. You need to identify the plants first, to know how and when to prune. If you don't know anything about pruning, sign out some books from your local library and read up before cutting anything. Or hire a landscaper.

Answer 4

Any crossing branches need to be removed. Any interfering wood needs to be removed. Any dead, weak or dying wood needs to be removed. The idea is to open up the plant so maximum light and air movement moves through the plant for better growth. It is usually accepted that at each pruning you remove no more tan a 1/3 at a time. That way minimal shock will occur to the plant.

Answer 5

Chainsaw. Approximate where you want them to end up and cut. Next year they'll look great.