What is the best way to prune my overgrown bush?

Question

early Morning? should I wait until Fall? I would hate to go all Summer with it looking the way it does???

Answer 1

I agree. You need to identify the type of shrub or bush. Do you know what it is? Is it a lilac bush, by any chance?  Typically, lilacs reach 10 feet high, but they can grow to be 30 feet. Without regular attention to pruning, lilacs can lose their shape and become overly bushy, inviting disease. So, for healthy lilacs, regular pruning is essential.

Things You’ll Need:

Clippers

Ladder

For a Good Shape:

Step 1--Wait patiently for the blooms. Pruning at the wrong time of year can kill young buds, which are so small that it's hard to see them coming.

Step 2--Make sure your lilacs have finished blooming. When the flowers have died, it is time to prune.

Step 3--Snip off the dead blooms with clippers, all the way back to the stem. This will keep the bush from seeding and ensure more buds will come next year.

Step 4--Cut small shoots near the ground. These shoots should be sprouting from the main trunk. Also, to keep your lilacs full but not bushy, if you notice that it is crowded in the middle, cut back branches inside the bush. This will help air and sun get to the center and help prevent disease.

Step 5--Trim limbs that seem to be sticking out or that look awkward to you. This will help shape your lilacs. To create a wider lilac bush, cut fewer stems back to main trunk. Keep the tops of your tree round.

Answer 2

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Usually every week.  Some shaving cream and new razors work the best.  If you need help, I can help.  

Answer 3

it is best to prune your plant when it is dormant....however, there are some plants that have buds for next years flowers already in place...given your info it is best to go to your local garden center and ask their opinion

Answer 4

A good rule of thumb is well past bloom but before the first freeze.  

You will need to check what kind of bush it is because different bushes need different techniques.

Answer 5

It definitely depends on the plant. Some shrubs that flower have already set their buds for next year and if you prune them now, it will not flower next year.  Go down to your local garden center and ask them for pruning tips, and if you don't know what you have, take a couple of good photos of the plant with you.