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The Joy of Pruning: Sheared vs. Thinned Shrubs

Updated: Jan 21

Pruning is both a science and an art. Almost every plant requires some form of pruning throughout its lifetime. In most cases, there is a right way to prune a plant. A bad pruning job can scar a plant or a whole landscape for years to come.


I don't say this to sound dramatic or to insinuate that a landscaper's services are required to do a pruning job. A bad pruning job still likely won't kill the plant, and can in some cases be immediately fixed. My point is that the world of pruning has both rules and exceptions that one should know before cutting anything hastily with a pair of pruners -- the difference between thinning and shearing being one of them.



Thinning

Thinning means selectively pruning away some expendable branches in order to open up the canopy and allow airflow, but maintaining the overall shape of the specimen. This ultimately creates a natural look.
Thinning means selectively pruning away some expendable branches in order to open up the canopy and allow airflow, but maintaining the overall shape of the specimen. This ultimately creates a natural look.

vs.


Shearing

Shearing is removing the outermost layer of twigs and leaves, to delicately shape the plant for a more formal look.
Shearing is removing the outermost layer of twigs and leaves, to delicately shape the plant for a more formal look.

Almost any plant could -- and likely should -- be thinned regularly. An unruly and untamed plant can be thinned back, though the rule of thumb is to not remove more than 1/3 of the entire plant per year. However, there are many exceptions to this rule, as several species will not die even when cut entirely down to a stump. The best tools for a moderate pruning job include handheld pruning shears, lopping shears, and pruning saw. To reach higher branches, an extension pole saw and/or extension pole lopper may be required.


Certain sheared shrubs, however, can never be thinned back to be made smaller in size, such as needleleaf evergreens. The best tools for shearing are the electric hedge saw, hedge shears, and handheld pruning shears.


Beyond this, there are many other pruning methods similar to thinning that can be used to reduce size and promote the health of a tree or plant. Drop Crotching can help shorten plant height by bringing the main stem back to some lower branches instead.

For the best results, take frequent breaks where you step back to look at the bigger picture. Do this from different angles throughout the project to make sure that no branches protrude from any vantage point.

 
 
 

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