How to Cut a Tree Into a Topiary
Topiary trees are not only unique conversation pieces, but quite often they also are works of art. Properly training a topiary tree takes a lot of pruning and shaping until the tree learns to grow in the desired design by itself. The basic steps of cutting a tree into a topiary are not hard, but they are time consuming and require a good deal of patience. The most important aspect of creating a topiary is selecting the correct type of tree. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose a topiary shape. You can create almost any design imaginable, but for beginners a simple round circle or triangular cone shape are the easiest to accomplish.
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Select a plant that is already similar in shape to the design you want to cut. For example, if you want to create a cone shape, look for a tree that looks generally like a triangle. Some plants that work well for topiaries are boxwood and yew.
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Using the long handle shears, cut the tree into a rough shape of the desired design. Make sure to only clip small branches. Do not clip branches larger than 1 inch in diameter. If you encounter a larger branch, the design of the tree should be changed to accommodate the branches.
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Use the topiary shears to finish off the design by clipping any remaining branches or leaves that are outside the desired shape.
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Tips & Warnings
To cut a circular design, locate something round to use as a template. Hold the template up to the tree and look through it as you cut. Any branches that appear outside of the circle should be pruned.
To maintain their shapes, topiaries must be pruned on a monthly basis.
