How to Prune Topiary Shapes

Learn about the basics of topiary. Topiary is not a low-maintenance form of pruning, although many of the plants used for topiary are chosen for their resilience and dense growth patterns. With just a little attention to some basic guidelines, successful topiary is not difficult to achieve. The results are impressive and extremely satisfying to produce.

Choose a topiary plant. The plants and shrubs that are used most often in topiary are evergreen. Evergreens are best for topiary sculpting because they have small leaves or needles, create dense foliage and have compact growing natures.

Decide on a shape. Beginning topiarists are advised to start with a simple, geometric shape. Rigidly geometric shapes, such as cubes, are less forgiving of inaccurate cutting than slightly softer forms, like pyramids and spheres. More figurative shapes, such as teddy bears and peacocks, are not necessarily difficult to produce, particularly if you form them using a ready-made rigid frame as a guide. However, they can take many years to reach a size at which they can attain a recognizable shape, because the plants are generally slow growing. They are therefore not for the impatient topiarist.

Used a template. Use a mesh wire frame to guide beginning shears. Traditional topiary is an art based on patience and a steady hand, so begin by training your hand. If you find yourself with an unsure hand, then small-leaved ivy can be used to cover the shape and give the look of topiary in a few months.

Use the right tools. Always use very sharp, clean tools for topiary, as the soft shoots you are cutting are sappy and will be vulnerable to disease if torn. It is also very difficult to make decisive, accurate cuts on this flexible growth with blunt tools. Sheep-trimming shears are excellent for producing a light, accurate cut but are not suitable for heavy work.

Maintain the shape. How frequently to clip topiary depends on the speed at which the plant grows, the intricacy of the topiary shape and the degree of finish required. Simple shapes in slow-growing plants will need relatively little clipping.