trimming Bushes: How to Do It Right
Why Trim Bushes?
Trimming your bushes does more than just make your yard look good. It also:
Encourages healthy growth
Prevents disease and pests
Shapes the plant for better sunlight and air flow
Keeps bushes from growing too large or messy
Think of trimming as giving your plants a fresh haircut—they’ll thank you for it.
When Should You Trim?
The best time to trim depends on the type of bush:
Spring-blooming bushes (like lilacs or forsythia): Trim right after they bloom, so you don’t cut off next year’s flowers.
Summer-blooming bushes (like butterfly bush or hydrangeas): Trim in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Evergreens and hedges: Light trimming is fine most of the year, but the best time is usually late spring or early summer.
🌡️ Avoid trimming during extreme heat or cold—it can stress the plant.
How to Trim Your Bushes
Step 1: Gather Tools
Sharp hand pruners or hedge clippers
Gloves and safety glasses
Trash bag or tarp for clippings
Step 2: Remove the 3 D’s
Start by cutting away anything that is:
Dead
Damaged
Diseased
Step 3: Shape the Bush
Trim the outer edges to the shape you want (rounded, square, or natural).
Try to keep the base of the bush slightly wider than the top. This helps lower branches get sunlight.
Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the plant at a time—too much can shock it.
Step 4: Clean Up
Rake or bag your clippings and give the plant a quick watering if it looks stressed.
Bonus Tips
Use clean, sharp tools to avoid spreading disease.
For flowering bushes, know when they bloom so you don’t accidentally cut off the buds.
If you're unsure, start with a light trim—you can always cut more later.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
Trimming bushes might seem simple, but doing it wrong can harm your plants. If you're unsure or just don’t have the time, let the pros handle it.
Creative lawn care offers expert bush and hedge trimming services to keep your landscape clean, healthy, and beautiful. Give us a call or book online today!