Can You Kill A Bush By Trimming It?

Trimming bushes promotes new growth and helps keep them healthy and thriving. But can you ever kill a bush by trimming it? As a matter of fact, you can.

Before you begin clipping your beautiful bushes, it's vital to understand which tools and techniques to use, and when to undertake the task. Keep reading to learn about common bush trimming mistakes that can kill your plants and the pros and cons of hiring a pro.

Bush Trimming Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting bushes may seem like a simple task, but using proper technique and knowing when to trim bushes is critical to keeping them healthy (and alive!). Here are the top five things not to do while bush trimming:

Mistake #1: Pruning Bushes Out of Season

Don't trim bushes at the wrong time of year. Pruning stimulates new growth, and if you cut bushes during the wrong season, they will not have time to harden to protect themselves from the frigid frosts of winter. This can also put your bushes at risk of contracting diseases and attracting pests.

The best time to trim bushes depends on the type of bush. For bushes that bloom in the spring, you should trim right after they’re finished flowering. Otherwise, late winter is typically the best time for bush trimming, because the plants are dormant.

Mistake #2: Over-Trimming Bushes

You can actually kill a bush by over-trimming it. When you over-trim a bush, it stresses out the plant, makes it vulnerable to diseases and pests, and causes damage by stunting its growth.

As a rule of thumb, you should never trim more than a ⅓ of the bush's growth during the active growing season.

Remember that less is more when it comes to bush trimming. You can always cut more off, but you can't fix the damage if you remove too much.

Mistake #3: Using Dull Tools

Dull pruning shears or hedge trimmers not only make the task much more difficult, they actually damage the bush. Rather than providing a clean cut, dull blades will crush or rip the branch. This makes the bush prone to diseases, which can eventually kill it if not addressed.

Save yourself the trouble and carefully check the blades to make sure they are sharp before you begin. You can sharpen the blades yourself, or have a professional do it for you. Always use precautions and wear safety gear before sharpening tools yourself.

Mistake #4: Rushing the Process

You don't want to trim bushes in a hurry. If you do, you may cut too much from the bush or overlook dead and diseased branches that need to be removed. Taking your time will ensure you prune your bushes properly so they flourish.

When trimming bushes, you want to remove dead and diseased branches first, then work on cutting and shaping healthy branches afterward.

Mistake #5: Cutting Incorrectly

Making correct cuts is another important factor in trimming bushes. Improper cuts can leave a large wound, which can make the bush susceptible to pests and diseases. 

You should cut the branch at a 45-degree angle when pruning to allow proper drainage and prevent diseases. Plan out your cuts carefully before you begin to reduce the risk of errors.

Is It Worth Hiring a Professional to Trim Bushes?

Trimming bushes is a task you can do yourself if you have the necessary equipment. However, if you are worried about killing your bushes because you're unsure if you will do it right, it may be worth hiring a hedge-trimming company near you to tackle the job.

The cost varies significantly depending on how many bushes you need to have trimmed. It can be as little as $150 if you don't have too many, but the average cost is around $850 or more.