Pruning Your Shrubs - How And Why?

When it comes to caring for your shrubs, pruning is commonly discussed. You’ll hear this word be used amongst experts as well as keen gardeners. And it simply refers to; the trimming or cutting away of dead branches and stems, in order to allow the shrub to continue to grow at a healthy rate.  At One Click Plants we recommend pruning to all our customers to ensure every shrub purchased from our nursery continues to thrive for years to come. 

In this blog we detail exactly how to prune shrubs, when to prune them, and why. 

The importance of pruning shrubs 

Pruning may seem like a simple task that has only aesthetic benefits, but in fact, it is essential for the positive and healthy growth of your shrubs. Whilst also ensuring that shrubs do not overgrow and become a nuisance. This could mean overhanging or blocking entrance ways, or shading areas of your garden, where your other plants and shrubs may need the light. 

When to prune and how 

While you can prune and care for your shrubs throughout the year, the best time to prune evergreen trees and shrubs is directly after the shrub has finished flowering. This allows for the best time to remove deadheads while allowing for healthy buds to thrive. If there are any areas of the shrub that are damaged, dead or otherwise hindering growth, you should be removing them. 

Meanwhile, other types of shrubs such as Fuchsia (hardy fuchsias), Hibiscus and Hydrangea Paniculata can be pruned in springtime before flowering from July. If your shrubs are newly planted, these only need to be pruned lightly with small amounts of shaping to keep them looking their best in the first few years of growth.

A step-by-step guide

1. Start with the right tools - For the best results you will need the right tools. This can include all or some of the following; secateurs, a pruning saw, long-reach pruner, loppers, and topiary shears. Each of these tools will help you in both the small cuts and the larger shaping of your shrubs. For example, secateurs are perfect for everyday pruning, while loppers are best suited for cutting woody stems and reaching heights.
2. Identify the type of shrub you are pruning - Knowing the type of shrub you have is crucial for proper pruning techniques and timing. Referring to the details of your shrub by name will allow you to decide the best time to prune, and how. Specific details include understanding if your shrub is an evergreen or deciduous and its flowering season. 
3. Decide Your Goals - Are you aiming for overall plant health, size control, shaping, or increased blooming? Different goals require different pruning approaches and tools.
   
4. Make Your Cuts - Always use sharp, clean tools for precise cuts and minimal damage.

• Thinning: Remove crowded, diseased, or dead branches at their base to improve air circulation and light penetration.

• Heading: Shorten branches to control size or encourage new growth (follow specific guidelines for your shrub).

• Shaping: Use secateurs or shears for precise shaping, following the desired form while maintaining a natural look.

Once you have finished making your cuts and shaping your shrub be sure to clean up any debris or deadheads from the base of the shrub, being careful to prevent the presence of pests which could quickly spread disease.

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