When should shrubs be pruned?
The best time for pruning depends on the shrub. Generally, you’ll want to prune flowering shrubs right after they finish blooming. For non-flowering shrubs, late winter or early spring is ideal, just before new growth begins. This timing helps ensure the plant stays healthy and produces plenty of flowers next season. A professional usually knows the best time and methods to keep your shrubs healthy.
What's the difference between shrub pruning vs trimming?
The difference comes down to purpose and timing.
Pruning focuses on plant health and structure. It involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches and shaping shrubs to encourage healthy growth and flowering, often done seasonally.
Trimming is more about appearance and maintenance. It involves light, frequent cuts to keep shrubs neat, uniform, and within a desired size or shape. In short, pruning supports long-term health, while trimming maintains day-to-day aesthetics.
How often should you prune shrubs?
It’s a good practice to prune your shrubs at least once a year. Regular trimming helps maintain their shape and size, preventing them from becoming overgrown. It also encourages healthy new growth and can lead to more flowers or fruit on certain types of shrubs. A professional can usually tell when it's time to prune and when not to.
What should I ask before hiring a shrub trimming service?
Some good questions to help you find a shrub trimming service include:
What’s included in your service? Does it cover shaping, cleanup, and hauling away debris?
How do you price your services — is it by the hour, per shrub, or a flat project fee?
Based on the types of shrubs I have, when is the best time of year to trim them?
Do you offer other yard services, like tree trimming or lawn care?
How long do you expect the job to take?
What steps do you take to protect my home, lawn, and other plants during the job?
Why should I hire a pro to prune my shrubs?
Hiring a shrub pruning service offers several benefits:
Reputable pros have the expertise to know when and how to prune different plants for optimal health, and can also identify when a shrub is diseased beyond saving and requires removal.
Pros often use specialized, sharp tools that make clean cuts, which helps prevent disease and damage to your shrubs.
It’s generally safer to let a trained professional handle the risks that come with using ladders and sharp equipment.
You’ll save significant time and physical effort, as a pro can complete the work much more quickly and efficiently.
Many pros can also artistically shape your shrubs to improve your home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic.