Gardeners Support and Advice

There are, believe it or not, some shrubs that do not actually need any pruning, or very little pruning attention, particularly broad leave evergreens such as Cotoneaster conspicuus, Sarcococca humilis or Ruscus aculeatus.

The majority of shrubs however, if left unattended will eventually become overgrown and disfigured, and worst of all the excessive growth actually causes the downfall of the shrub, correct pruning will indeed prolong the life of the plant itself.

Pruning Techniques

One of the most important things to consider when pruning your shrubs are your tools. It is so important that your cutting tool is sharp enough to make a clean cut. Using blunt instruments will only cause the pruned area to be crushed and this can cause damage to the plant.

Any cut that is made needs to made in relation to a growing bud because this helps the important process of healing the area. The growth buds influence on the pruned area is immense, cutting else where can often lead to disease and mis-shaping of the shrub. The positioning of your cuts is also an important factor, firstly select a bud facing in the right direction you want the shrub to grow and cut the stems no more than a quarter of an inch above the bud.