What is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s curb appeal? Trim and shape shrubs and trees.
Trimming and shaping are different from seasonal pruning. Seasonal pruning may reduce the size of a plant by a significant amount or be planned strategically to ensure growth or rejuvenation. The main purpose of trimming and shaping is to enhance the visual appeal of your landscape. It may need to be done multiple times in a growing season in order to maintain the visual appearance of your landscape. Trimming and shaping allow the eye to see different shapes and colors more easily.
To improve your home’s curb appeal, start by identifying the trees and shrubs you will trim. This will help you understand what tools you will need. Look at the thickness of the branches, natural shape of the plant, and size of the plant to help you choose tools. Depending on these characteristics, you may need small pruners or sheers, larger loppers, a hand saw, or an electric trimmer. Make sure your tools are sharp and clean.
When you are shaping a shrub, use the natural shape of the plant as your guide. Unless you are a skilled plant sculptor, there is no reason to try and create a masterpiece from your overgrown hedge. Trimming and shaping to the natural shape of the shrub will look tidy, yet natural.
Need inspiration? Here are some examples of trimming and shaping we have done for our clients. Click here for more examples of before and after photos.
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- Before: Trees and bushes blocking windows on the side of a house.
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- After: Trees and bushes no longer blocking the side of the house.
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- Before: An overgrown front yard
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- After: The overgrown front yard trimmed and shaped.
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- Before: Slightly overgrown curbside landscaping
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- After: No longer slightly overgrown curbside landscaping
Washington State University Extension has a great resource for information about trees and shrubs. The Elizabeth C. Miller Library at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens has a searchable Gardening Answers Knowledgebase with common Q & A’s, gardening tips, and more on all types of topics.
Tim’s Complete Landscape Management specializes in routine landscape maintenance, lawn care, clean up, and yard enhancement projects. Estimates are always free. Let us help you with your tree and shrub shaping needs. Call (253) 632-5829 to achieve the landscape you have always wanted!