Your shrubs are staples on your property, and routine maintenance keeps them looking their best. Trimming your shrubs often maintains their appearance, and using a string during the trimming process will keep them level and give them a well-manicured look that will enhance their aesthetics. However, you should ensure you trim them at the right time, which depends on their growth cycle and when they bloom in Michigan. Following these 3 tips will ensure your shrubs are beautiful and maintained properly. Continue reading for more information on the best shrub trimming practices.

1. Use a string to make a level cut across the shrubs.

Shrubs trimming in a straight shape in Macomb, MI.

Trimming your shrubs can be tiring for your arms, and sometimes they eventually start to droop while you are trimming. As a result, your shrubs receive a diagonal cut and are not level. While this is a common issue, you can help prevent this with a string! All you have to do is place stakes on either end of your shrubs, measure upwards from the ground to determine how high you want them, and tie a string between them. The string will act as a guide for you to follow and make a level cut across the shrubs; a straight and even cut provides the desired crisp, box-like appearance to your hedges.

The string method is better suited for larger shrubs, like a hedgerow.

2. Trim your shrubs often to maintain their appearance.

Shrub being trimmed by a professional in New Baltimore, MI.

Routine maintenance helps to enhance your shrubs' appearance, and you should trim them often to maintain their natural shape and fullness. Tightening up your shrubs keeps them from looking unkempt with overgrowth and stray branches, and you can trim them as frequently as once a month or every six weeks throughout the growing season. If you were to go an extended time without trimming your shrubs, they won't fill in as nicely and they could end up dragging down the overall curb appeal of your property.

3. Trim Your Shrubs at the Right Time

Gloved hands trimming shrub in landscaping in Utica, MI.

Different shrubs need trimming at certain times of the year, depending on their growth cycle and when they bloom. Because of this, you should ensure you trim your shrubs at the right time. It's important to have basic knowledge about your shrubs and when they bloom so you can trim accordingly. If you were to trim at the wrong time, you could risk cutting off the buds and they won't produce any flowers. If you are unsure if it's the right time to trim your shrubs, you can reach out to a lawn care professional to get their advice.

Professionals are knowledgeable about the shrubs in Michigan and will trim them when the time is right.

Sign up for our shrub trimming service to keep your shrubs beautiful and well-maintained year-round!

If you want to turn your shrubs into manicured, beautiful focal points on your property, we're here to help! At Big Lakes Lawncare, we offer our shrub trimming service 2-3 times a year or every six weeks - depending on your maintenance preferences. We have extensive knowledge of the shrubs in Michigan and when they bloom; we'll be sure to trim them at the right time to avoid cutting off the blooms. Not only that, but while we are trimming your shrubs, we will inspect them for any signs of diseases or insect infestations and if we notice any, we can take the appropriate steps to treat them.

We offer our shrub trimming service to commercial, residential, and HOA property owners in Macomb, Shelby, Chesterfield, MI, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (586) 200-0855 to sign up for our shrub trimming service and keep your shrubs beautiful and well-maintained year-round! We look forward to working with you!