Choose the right time to trim based on the plant type (many shrubs: late winter/early spring for shaping; flowering shrubs: after they bloom)
Gather tools: sharp hand pruners, loppers, hedge trimmers (optional), gloves, safety glasses, tarp or buckets for debris
Inspect the bushes for dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches
Remove dead or damaged branches first, cutting back to healthy wood
Cut back overgrown areas gradually to maintain the bush’s natural shape
Use the “thinner, not shorter” approach for dense shrubs: remove entire stems at the base rather than only trimming the outer tips
For formal or hedge shapes, trim to a consistent height and width using a string line or stakes as a guide
Make clean cuts just above a bud or side shoot (about 1/4 inch) when pruning individual stems
Avoid cutting too close to buds; avoid leaving stubs
Step back often to check symmetry and overall shape
Remove suckers and unwanted shoots growing from the base or below the desired height
Thin the interior to improve airflow by removing some older stems at the base
Clean up clippings and dispose of them properly (especially if disease is present)
Wipe or sanitize pruning tools between plants if disease is suspected
After trimming, water thoroughly if the soil is dry and follow normal care for the shrub
For heavy rejuvenation, prune in stages (if needed) rather than removing more than about one-third of the plant at once