How to Prune a Shasta Viburnum

The Shasta vibirnum shrub has dark green foliage accented by white or pink flowers. It makes an attractive addition to the fall landscape, as it also bears bright red berries. A Shasta vibirnum can grow fairly quickly, often 1 to 2 feet per year. They don't need regular pruning, but trimming the shrub can help prevent problems, especially disease. Shasta virburnum is especially prone to botryosphaeria dieback, which causes parts of the plant to appear withered and scarred. Removing branches that are affected by the botryosphaeria dieback will help the plant recover and look more attractive.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut any weak or dead branches off the Shasta vibirnum plant. Make the cut where the dead or weak branch joins with the main branch.

   • 2

     Cut away any branches that rub against each other or that are crowded too close together. This will help promote air and light circulation, which will help prevent disease and mildew problems.

   • 3

     Step back about 6 feet and look at the shape of the Shasta vibirnum. Notice where the branches on the shrub look overgrown or too wild.

   • 4

     Trim the tips off of any unruly branches but stop when the Shasta virbirnum shrub has a pleasing shape. Step back and look at the shrub after every few cuts.