Pruning Shrubs

[Suziebun]

Hello all,

I wasn't sure where to post this question, I hope this is the right place.

I am currently learning about pruning shrubs. I am quickly finding that a lot of people like their shrubs pruned so that they do not touch any other plants in the border. Personally, as a wildlife gardener, I think that shrubs should grow together to fill the area, with pruning used to keep shape and height in order. Thus reducing weeds and providing nesting sites and other habitats.
I thought it was personal choice, but Im stating to notice that people think my way is wrong.

What is everyone's opinion on this? I'd love to know what your take is on it.

[peanut]

I garden the same way as you Suziebun I grow for wildlife and like my shrubs to merge together.
My neighbour on the other hand keeps everything neatly trimmed in its own space and hates it when things grow bigger than the label says!

[Babru]

I quite like things merging together, but some things look better if they stand out. I have a crab apple with a lovely growth shape. I make sure there is nothing tall too close so I can see it clearly.

If you use a hoe to keep weeds down then space makes sense. I mostly hand weed, so space isn't necessary. Different strokes for different folks.

[Suziebun]

Thank you for your replies.

I feel less like I am doing something wrong now

[DannyK]

How you prune is important. My neighbours who play at gardening just give everything a "haircut" with all branches cut to the same length, which will cause congestion. They should often be taking out some old stems completely with some shrubs.
When I first moved here I bought a big RHS book on pruning, which told about routine and remedial pruning.
I think you cannot beat a book as you learn things when flicking through that you don't on screen.
These are big gardens and I told them not to clear and leave large areas. Now their weeds are growing even better!

[rary]

Your garden, your choice, the only thing I would say is, if the garden is in a housing scheme/estate, you keep it tidy

[Babru]

How you prune is important. My neighbours who play at gardening just give everything a "haircut" with all branches cut to the same length, which will cause congestion. They should often be taking out some old stems completely with some shrubs.
When I first moved here I bought a big RHS book on pruning, which told about routine and remedial pruning.
I think you cannot beat a book as you learn things when flicking through that you don't on screen.
These are big gardens and I told them not to clear and leave large areas. Now their weeds are growing even better!

Agree totally about the RHS pruning book. I take it out to the garden and follow the instructions. Great for ornamental and fruit. Too easy to chop things at the wrong time....hey, why no flowers next spring ?!

[bramble]

No need to buy expensive books.
Lots of great advice here, plus plenty of books in the library ..or even Google for advice.
For Me... I prune my shrubs when I see them looking untidy...not in the winter though

[Babru]

Not expensive if you buy second hand. My RHS hardback is £3.57 including delivery from awesomebooks.com right now. Means I am happy to take my copy outside with me as I assess what I'm thinking of tackling.