How to Prune a Shrub to Look Like a Tree

Pruning a shrub to look like a tree can make an interesting focal point for your yard. The shrub that you choose to use will determine the size and characteristics of the tree that you will create. You might also want to prune several different shrubs into trees for a variety of small trees in your yard. Here's how to prune a shrub to look like a tree.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a shrub to use for creating your tree. Most people choose to use shrubs that grow at least 6 feet tall; however, you can also use shorter ones if you want smaller trees. Crape myrtle, yaupon holly, wax myrtle and wax-leaf privet are most commonly used for pruning into trees.

2. Prune the shrub to form the tree when the shrub is 1-year-old for the easiest job. Older shrubs can also be pruned into trees, but the process is more difficult and it might take several years before your shrub takes the form of a tree.

3. Choose one to three of the strongest, healthiest shoots or vertical branches on the shrub to use to form the trunk of your tree. Most commonly people choose to use one tree trunk, but it is sometimes done with two or three. Cut off all vertical branches other than the ones that you decided to keep.

4. Start at the bottom of the shrub and work your way up, removing all horizontal branches along the trunk. Continue removing horizontal branches until you have cut off all branches that are 4 feet or closer to the ground.

5. Step back to look at your shrub and the tree shape that you have formed. Determine if your tree needs a longer trunk. If it does, continue cutting off another layer of horizontal branches, working your way up the trunk until you have the desired effect.

6. Sheer or prune the top of your shrub to form the desired shape for the top of your tree. Step back to look at your finished product again and then make any final cuts that are needed.