How to Prune Spiral Evergreens

With fall upon us, now is the perfect time to prune your evergreen shrubs. Pruning in the cooler weather keeps shrubs from being burned by cutting branches when the sun could scald them. One of the most popular ways to prune and train a shrub is the spiral form. If you bought a shrub that was already trained, it is not hard to prune and keep the shape.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric hedge trimmers
• Pruners
• Small tarp
• Leather gloves

1. 
    
   A SHAPED EVERGREEN ADDS FORM AND GRACE TO THE GARDEN

   I can't think of any tree I like better than those in the Juniper family. They are evergreen, some with bluish-grey color, some produce small edible berries and they are incredibly hardy. The juniper is particularly suitable for pruning in a spiral shape. If you have a spiral shaped tree that has outgrown it's shape, here's how to correctly prune.

2. 
    
   ELECTRIC HEDGE TRIMMERS

   Start by laying a tarp around the bottom of the tree to catch all the cuttings. Before you begin to cut, look for the point at the bottom of the tree where the spiral begins to turn upwards. Follow this line up to the top of the tree so you have an idea of where you'll be cutting. My preferred tool for this job is electric hedge trimmers, you can remove small amounts of branch tips and shape as you go.

3. 
    
   A BEAUTIFULLY PRUNED SPIRAL JUNIPER.

   If your spiral tree has not been trimmed in years, you will need to remove more than tips of the branches. Go slowly, keep stepping back to look at your progress as it's easy to lose sight of the path upward. The electric clippers will not work as well if the tree is very overgrown, so you'll need to use hand pruners. It may help to get a piece of colored ribbon or rope and tie it at the bottom and wind your way upward to show just where you need to cut.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on your climate, it's always best to prune either in the early spring or fall. I always opt for the fall when the sun is not harsh enough to burn the newly cut tips. Prune your spiral tree's every year, it will make the job much easier.
• For any evergreen shrub you prune, always wear leather gloves. The needles are usually sharp and the Juniper can actually leave a rash on the skin.

[Gardengates]

on 10/13/2008 Excellent, detailed instructions. Thanks!

[Gracie1402]

on 10/4/2008 great article, very helpful!

[slphilbrick]

on 10/2/2008 I never thought of a tarp or of pruning my cedars in the fall..... and I wondered why they turn brown on the tips. Hmmm.... thanks for the tips !

[Mindee94]

on 9/30/2008 Can't wait to relay this to my parents. Great tips!

[GreenGardenChic]

on 9/29/2008 Perfect timing. Thanks for the article, I never think of putting tarp down before trimming my evergreens. Great tip.