How to Trim Decorative Evergreens
- 1). Determine the best time to prune based on your specific tree or shrub. Although it is unlikely you can cause severe damage by pruning at the wrong time, each tree or shrub has an ideal pruning time depending on its growth habits and times of fruit or flower growth. When a tree or shrub flowers before the end of June, you should generally prune it right after flowering to avoid removing buds prematurely. When a tree or shrub flowers after the month of June ends, you should prune it in wintertime or at the start of spring before any new growth occurs. In some plants, a light pruning before and after the tree or shrub flowers can increase production of flowers and fruit, or result in a second bloom in the same year.
- 2). Select the right tool for your job. For branches up to 1/4 inch in diameter, use hand shears. Lopping shears are used for branches up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Pruning saws can remove limbs or dead plants over 1 inch in diameter. To reach branches you cannot reach easily, use a pole pruner. Clipping new growth into a defined shape requires hedge shears.
- 3). Pinch off the growing tips of shoots by hand using your thumb and pointer finger to help control the plant's size.
- 4). Remove any branches and limbs which appear dead, damaged or diseased.
- 5). Thin the tree or shrub by cutting branches of your choice back to the trunk, soil line or main branch, leaving a short stub to prevent over-cutting and infection.
- 6). Shape the plant by shortening long branches. Cut branches to connect to a lateral branch or active bud leaving a short stub of 1/4 inch. This practice is referred to by gardeners as "heading back."
Source...