MAINTAINING SHRUB SIZE
Shrubs will require periodic pruning to maintain their proper shape and size. Many shrubs will grow tall and spindly if not thinned-out occasionally. Some shrubs will sucker severely at the ground if the older stems or canes are not removed. This causes the shrub to spread beyond its normal limits.
The proper method for maintaining shrub shape is to remove all canes that are larger than one inch in diameter. These should be removed as close to the ground line as possible. This practice will open the center of the plant so that more light can penetrate into it. Also, the size of the shrub will be maintained at the desirable height.
When removal of a cane has been decided upon, make the cut as close to the ground as possible (example A). When an old cane selected for removal has a desirable shoot at its base, make a cut as shown in example B. Note that the cut is slanted and is approximately ΒΌ inch above the shoot.