Knowledgebase
Hedge trimming #884714
Asked September 10, 2024, 10:42 AM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for your question and pictures for Extension. Your shrubs look like they need a good pruning if the branches are flopping over. Your shrub will benefit from a pruning to shape them and renew new growth. You will be able to shape them to what you are looking for in your foundation planting. The ideal time to do this would be spring or early summer to allow for new growth, but you can do some minor pruning now. I would first cut down to the ground any thick, old branches (usually found in the middle of the shrub). Then you can shape them lightly now. Be sure to make your pruning cut above a leaf to allow for new growth. Here is detailed information from Extension on how to prune and the proper tools to use:
