How to Prune Lower Branches of a Rhododendron

Removing lower branches creates a dramatic tree-form rhododendron.

Rhododendron has long been a popular shrub in the home landscape. Because of its longevity, this can be a good thing if the plants have been properly maintained or a nightmare if they have not been. An overgrown rhododendron is often best pruned back into shape by cutting up the lower branches and creating a more tree-like form. While this may sound daunting, the procedure is simple. It will require a careful hand so as not to cut too much material from the shrub.

Things You'll Need

• Hand-held pruners

Instructions

1. Crawl under the rhododendron and look upward into its structure. Reach up with a pair of hand-held pruners and remove any dead branches. Remove excessive cross-branches or branches that appear damaged or weak. Prune rhododendron branches flush with the main trunk or trunks; never leave stubs.

2. Decide how many of the bottom limbs you wish to remove. Consider the size and structure of the rhododendron -- a shorter plant may be more attractive with fewer limbs removed, depending on the overall landscaping. Use hand-held pruners to cut small lower limbs flush with the trunk of the plant, stopping frequently to check that the plant is trimmed evenly.

3. Watch the plant after you've cut out the lower branches -- rhododendrons sometimes resprout from the bottom, near the crown. Remove any errant sprouts that appear, cutting them flush with the plant's trunk.

Tips & Warnings

• Heavy pruning can cause a rhododendron to appear dead. It may require three years for the rhododendron to bloom again, depending on the severity of the trim.

References

• Washington State University: Gardening in Western Washington
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: How and When to Prune Rhododendrons
• North Carolina State University: Pruning Old Rhodies
• University of Missouri Extension: Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons