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5 STEPS
A tree or shrub may need pruning for many reasons: from diseased or storm-damage, to shaping for design purposes or even to remove obstructions.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Step
Begin by pruning away dead or damaged branches with a pruning shear, lopper or a saw
Step
Always cut branches on a slant, at a 45-degree angle
Your tools should be sharp enough to leave a straight, clear cut, with no ragged edges
Step
Take a look at the bush and find the tallest main branch
With your eye and hand, follow this main branch until it meets a lower side branch that more or less points upwards.
Step
Cut the main branch off just above the smaller one
Repeat the process with this and all main branches.
Step
When shaping, clip off any obvious pieces that are out of place