Shrubs Some varieties of shrubbery can be machine sheared with a hedge trimmer and not suffer ill effects, but many of the varieties we have in Clark County must be hand pruned.  Hand pruning allows me to thin for light and air and produces a more natural look.  Also, when a sheared shrub grows out a little, it begins to look "ragged," whereas a hand pruned shrub still looks natural when it grows out. Main objectives when pruning shrubs: Pruning for size The shrub should fit the space it's in. Lower leaves should not touch the ground.  When they do, they are slug bait. Pruning for light and air Light should reach the center of the shrub.  If it can't, leaves cannot grow there. Pruning to enhance blossom size and durability When done correctly, shrubs should be attractive immediately after pruning and for a long time thereafter. Here are some examples, before and after. Click on a picture to enlarge it.     This Andromeda has gotten too big for its location. Hand prune an Andromeda so it looks natural and fits the space it's in.  Flower sets can be saved when rhododendrons are properly pruned. Now it fits the space and will still bloom. A sprawling azalea. Now it looks like it belongs there, and will produce longer lasting blooms. This azalea barely fits the space, is slug bait, is too dense, and is not attractive. Now it fits better, no leaves touch the ground, light can get to the center, and it's more attractive. Arborvitaes will become spindly, and the branches will bend outward if not topped.  Cutting the tops forces the branches to grow thicker, supporting the weight. I caught these in time. Cut roses to about 2' tall, like this, around Thanksgiving time or when they stop blooming. Then remove all but 3 to 5 of the healthiest canes, and cut those just above a lateral bud which points in the direction you want growth to go, around Washington's birthday.     “Healthy yards through knowledge and experience” STEVE MILLER Owner / Laborer Licensed, Bonded, Insured 360-258-6383 The best choice to call when you want: Hand thinned & shaped shrubs, hedges & trees Lawn maintenance including cut new edges; bark; aerate; dethatch; feed; treat pH & clay; insect, disease, & weed control Roof, concrete, deck & fence cleaning and treatment Retaining walls, fences, sheds & decks built Over-seeding and lawns installed Sprinkler systems designed, installed and maintained