How do you trim bushes next to your house?

Author: Mr. Jeramie Hahn  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

If you have trees or shrubs that touch your house, be sure to keep them pruned 6-36 inches away from the siding so that nothing is actually touching your house.

What month is best to trim bushes?

The best time of day to prune trees and bushes is during the late winter or early spring while they are still dormant, typically in late February to early March. It's best to prune when the plant is not actively growing because this minimizes stress and reduces the risk of disease transmission.

How far should bushes be from the house?

Small shrubs should be planted at least 2 feet from a house foundation, medium shrubs about 3 feet and tall shrubs 4 to 5 feet away. An 8-foot shrub next to a six foot shrub should be spaced about 7 feet apart. Spacing plants in hedges is another matter.

How do I get rid of bushes next to my house?

How To Remove A Bush Or Shrub
  • Remove the lowest limbs to allow access to main trunks
  • Dig out around the stump, exposing roots
  • Cut the roots connected to the main trunk/stems
  • Pull out the root ball

Is there a wrong way to trim bushes?

When pruning shrubs it's really important that when you trim down the side of the shrub you never create a negative angle. In other words, the shrub should flare out just a little bit so it's always just a smidgen wider at the bottom than the top. Why? Because the entire plant needs to receive sunlight.

How to Prune, Trim & Shape Your Bushes & Shrubs

How do I trim bushes away from my house?

Remember to prune back from the side of the house at least 6 inches. Prune the lower branches of trees that may be too close to the house to encourage growth that goes upwards and away from the house.

What is an example of bad pruning?

Some bad pruning examples include: Stub Cuts: These cuts leave a branch stub that prevents the tree from sealing the wound to protect it from diseases. If you can hang something off the end of a branch, it's an incorrect pruning cut.

Should bushes touch your house?

Keep large shrubs and trees at least 10-30 feet away from the foundation of your house. If that's not possible, then practice good pruning to minimize root growth. There is also the obvious problem you want to avoid: limbs or large branches can break off and damage your house if the trees are too close.

What is the difference between a bush and a shrub?

The term bush is more often used as an adjective describing how shrubs grow than an actual plant. If multiple shrubs are planted close together, or a shrub grows round instead of straight up, they are considered a bush. Bushes are typically left to grow as nature sees fit unlike the yearly pruning shrubs require.

How far down do you trim bushes?

Renewal pruning for older or overgrown shrubs

Every year remove up to one-third of the oldest, thickest stems or trunks, taking them right down to the ground. This will encourage the growth of new stems from the roots.

Is it OK to plant shrubs close to house?

Give Space: Plant shrubs and perennials at least 2-3 feet from the foundation for growth and airflow. Root Barriers: Use a root barrier if needed to keep roots from creeping toward the foundation.

What not to do when trimming bushes?

Maintain healthy trees and shrubs by avoiding these six common pruning mistakes.
  1. Pruning without a goal. ...
  2. Improper pruning cut. ...
  3. Heavy pruning during the growing season. ...
  4. Using dull tools. ...
  5. Topping a tree. ...
  6. Over-pruning any time of year.

When should you not prune?

Pruning in autumn and winter could potentially damage the plant, as it can unbalance the root to shoot ratio during a period when it is too cold to regrow. The best time to prune is after flowering.

Is it OK to trim bushes in summer?

Summer is an excellent time for restorative pruning. Summer pruning tasks may include removing dead, damaged or diseased branches. Many people think of pruning as a winter task, but there are a number of great reasons to prune your trees and shrubs in summer.

What do landscapers charge to trim bushes?

Bush trimming typically costs about $48 – $75 per hour or $6 – $16 per bush. How much bush trimming costs depends on whether your contractor charges by the hour or by the bush. On average, homeowners across the U.S. pay about $62 per hour or $11 per bush to have a professional trim their bushes.

What is the easiest way to remove bushes?

Dig up the roots and pull the shrub out

Work your way around the bush with the shovel. Once you reach the root system, grab your mattock and sever the roots. Then, lift the bush out of the ground. You may need to alternate between cutting and pulling before sufficiently loosening the shrub.

Who do you call to remove bushes?

A local bush and shrub removal company is your best option to do the work. Unlike killing a tree to remove it, bush removal can be a complex process. Many bushes will send up sprouts after removing the main plant. That means dealing with live roots must be part of the removal plan.

Why do people put bushes around their house?

Since shrubs provide shade, they can keep your home cool during the summer, making you less reliant on air conditioning. In the winter, shrubs can shield your home from the wind. If you're concerned about heat, plant shrubs on the side of your house that the sun faces.

Do bugs live in bushes?

While we might associate butterflies and moths with wildflowers, many species also depend on trees and shrubs. This is often during the first stage of their lives, as caterpillars.

Do landscapers remove bushes?

Yes. Most landscapers are experienced using shovels and chainsaws in the removal of shrubs and trees. This enables them to effectively uproot the plant in addition to disposing of them.

What is the 1 3 rule for pruning?

The 1/3 rule for pruning shrubs refers to the practice of cutting about 1/3 of wood or a branch. This approach is applied to fully established shrubs and small trees. This is done at this stage since the established shrubs and plants are past their transplant shock.

What pruning technique should be avoided?

Improper Pruning Techniques – 9 Common Mistakes to Avoid
  1. Picking the wrong time to prune.
  2. Improper pruning time.
  3. Pruning the trees too much.
  4. Pruning in the wrong place.
  5. Using dirty pruning tools.
  6. Pruning at the wrong angle.
  7. Forgetting to prune out the canker and removing the dieback.

What is the pruning rule?

The 1/3 rule involves cutting about 1/3 of wood during any pruning activity. This kind of moderate pruning is like giving your shrubs a good balance – it thins them out a bit and encourages new growth.

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