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If your shrubs look sparse at the bottom, woody in the middle, or thinner every year despite regular trimming, your pruning technique may be the problem. According to gardening expert Briana Selstad Bosch, where—and when—you prune can make the difference between a shrub that looks scraggly and one that grows back thick and lush.
Know Your Shrubs
Before you clip a single branch, think about the types of shrubs you have. “Pruning methods can be heavily dependent on plant type,” says Bosch, owner of Colorado-based Blossom and Branch Farm and author of The Regenerative Gardener’s Handbook. “Some shrubs rarely need to be pruned at all, while others, such as hydrangea, need pruning more regularly for better blooming.”
Timing matters, too. There are certain times of the year when plants should be pruned. Traditionally, shrubs that flower in the spring should be trimmed after they are done blooming, and summer-flowering shrubs should be pruned in late winter or early spring.
The Biggest Pruning Mistake That Makes Shrubs Look Sparse
Many gardeners focus on trimming the top and outer edges of a shrub to maintain a clean and neat shape. But repeatedly shearing the outside can create dense growth on the surface while leaving the interior and lower portions thin and bare.
Start From the Bottom
It’s tempting to prune the sides or top of a shrub first, but Bosch recommends a different approach. “If you are looking for thicker shrubs that are more dense at the bottom, prune near the lower branches to maintain the shape and provide more fullness,” she says.
Go Slowly
The old saying is true: you can always cut off more, but you can’t put any back. Don’t rush the pruning process. As you’re trimming the shrub, keep its natural shape in mind. Bosch says, “It can be scary when first learning about different shrub preferences, so if you are nervous, start by pruning back one-third of the shrub at a time until you see how it reacts.
