The Art and Importance of Shrub Pruning
By Lee's Product Team December 11, 2024

The Art and Importance of Shrub Pruning

Lee's Evergreen Academy

Hi, I’m Mr. Lee from Lee’s General Landscaping! Let’s talk about shrub pruning, a service we often provide for our Seattle clients. Shrub pruning might seem like a simple task, but when done right, it’s a mix of science, art, and care that keeps your hedges and shrubs healthy, looking great, and thriving in the Pacific Northwest’s unique climate.

Photo credit: Our preferred tools, STIHL Hedge Trimmer HS 82 R


A Little History: Hedges Through the Ages

Hedges have been around for centuries, dating back to ancient agricultural societies. Early hedges were practical—used as natural fences to keep livestock in and intruders out. By the time formal gardens emerged in Europe during the Renaissance, hedges had taken on a decorative role, showcasing intricate designs and manicured landscapes that symbolized wealth and refinement.

Fast forward to today, hedges and shrubs are still a staple of landscaping, blending beauty with function. Whether framing a property, creating privacy, or acting as a windbreak, shrubs and hedges are a timeless feature of any yard.


How Shrub Pruning Works

Shrub pruning is more than just a quick trim—it’s a process that helps your plants grow better, look neat, and stay healthy. Here’s how we handle it:

1. Assess the Shrubs

We start by checking the type of shrub, its health, and its role in your landscaping. Is it purely decorative, or is it serving as a privacy hedge? Different shrubs need different approaches.

2. Choose the Right Tools

Using the proper tools is essential to avoid damaging the plant. Our team uses high-quality, sharp equipment like STIHL trimmers for precise cuts that promote healthy regrowth.

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3. Timing Is Everything

The best time to prune depends on the type of shrub. Flowering shrubs, for example, are often pruned right after they bloom, while evergreens may be pruned in late winter or early spring.

4. Strategic Cutting

We remove dead or diseased branches, shape the shrub for aesthetics, and make selective cuts to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure. This helps prevent pests and diseases while encouraging healthy growth.


Why Clients Outsource Shrub Pruning to Us

Pruning shrubs may seem straightforward, but doing it right requires experience, patience, and the right equipment. Here’s why our clients in Seattle trust us to handle it:

1. Expertise Matters

Every shrub is different, and improper pruning can damage the plant or stunt its growth. Our team knows how to handle a wide variety of shrubs, ensuring they stay healthy and look fantastic.

2. Time-Saving Convenience

Let’s face it—pruning is time-consuming and can be physically demanding. Our clients prefer to spend their weekends enjoying their beautiful yards, not wrestling with overgrown hedges.

3. Professional Results

With years of experience and professional tools, we deliver clean, even, and aesthetically pleasing results that enhance the look of any property.

4. Long-Term Health

We’re not just focused on appearances. Our pruning practices are designed to promote long-term health, so your shrubs thrive for years to come.


The Difference We Bring

At Lee’s General Landscaping, we treat shrub pruning as both a science and an art. From understanding the growth habits of your plants to using precision tools and techniques, we ensure your shrubs are always in top shape. Plus, we handle everything—from planning to cleanup—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

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Ready to give your shrubs the care they deserve? Let’s work together to keep your yard looking its best year-round. Give us a call today!


STIHL Inc. has been a trusted name in outdoor power equipment for over 50 years, earning its reputation as a top choice among professionals and homeowners alike. At Lee’s General Landscaping, we proudly use STIHL equipment because it delivers the reliability and precision we need for every job. Whether it’s pruning trees or tackling tough yard cleanups, STIHL’s legendary tools help us provide top-notch service to our Seattle clients every time.

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Our Service Packages

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1. General Yard Service

We also offer service for one time clean up, over grown yard, low maintenance design, home sale prep, insurance claims, commercial properties, etc.

Our services include: tree/shrub care, planting, pruning, trimming, raking, weeding, mowing, edging, pressure washing, mulching, bark, gravel, top soil, soil amendment, and junk removal.

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2. Landscape Design / Construction

From small projects to full landscape designs, we offer a range of landscape services. Our landscaping team has extensive experience working with many different types of landscape styles and designs, which range include: natural, modern, low maintenance, Japanese, English, and others.

Services include: custom cad design, pavers, patios, retaining walls, fencing, garden beds, fire pits, edging, irrigation, fencing, concrete, lighting, hardscape repair, and more.

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3. Yard Maintenance and Lawn Service

Maintenance: We offer different packages for yard services: one time clean up, biweekly maintenance , quarterly, or annual.

Services include: mowing lawn, edging, weeding, raking, trimming, pruning, leaf blowing. Lawn Care Services: New sod install, thatching, aerating, hydro-seeding, seeding, fertilization, artificial turf, irrigation system, and weed and feed.

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