Use clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers
Prune at the right time for the shrub species
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first
Cut branches back to a healthy bud or side branch
Thin crowded stems to improve airflow
Remove crossing or rubbing branches
Maintain the shrub’s natural shape
Avoid removing more than one-third of the shrub at once
Make cuts at a slight angle just above a bud
Remove suckers and water sprouts
Clean tools before and after pruning
Dispose of diseased material properly
Water the shrub after pruning if needed