Burning bush, or Euonymus alatus, is a shrub that grows quickly.If the bush is planted in an area where it can grow to any size, you don't need to trim it.If you want to keep the size of the bush down, you will have to shape it or use a more drastic rejuvenation method.
Step 1: Prune during late winter or early spring.
ThePruning done only for the health of the plant should be scheduled for late winter or early spring before new growth has a chance to grow.You don't need to worry about accidentally removing flower buds since burning bushes are mostly grown for their foliage.It is best to trim the bush before the new growth starts because the most vibrant foliage will grow on new branches.You don't need to worry about removing branches that could encourage disease to spread through the plant if you decide to peck a burning bush for health alone.Prune the plant for health before you worry about shape maintenance.
Step 2: The branches should be removed.
Pruning shears can be used to cut dead branches.Animals, disease, and bad weather are some of the reasons why branches are injured.The point of origin is on the main stem.The only way to prevent the disease from spreading is to do so.The injured portion of the branch can be cut back to their point of origin on the main stem.In the latter case, cut the injured branch down to a side branch and make the cut above the bud.
Step 3: There are branches that rub together.
Look for branches that are rubbing against each other.Pruning shears can be used to remove these branches.The main stem should be used to cut these branches.If you want the problem branches to grow back in the same direction, it's best to remove them completely.
Step 4: In late winter or early spring, schedule the initialPruning.
Pruning a burning bush for shape will require you to schedule two sessions each year.Pruning the bush in late winter or early spring is what should be done first.Burning bushes tend to get large and unruly as they mature, but you can usually keep them in check by trimming them down to a desired shape.ThisPruningPruning will keep the bush looking nice for the season while preventing it from taking over the space it occupiesPruning a burning bush can also be used for health maintenance.
Step 5: Decide on the shape.
You can either trim the burning bush down or make it an ornamental hedge.Prune the bush into a cube, box, or globe hedge shape.A trim out of the lower branches would be another option.It would make the burning bush look small.You can find a photograph or sketch to help you visualize your ideal shape.You can make your own sketch to help guide you through the process.
Step 6: Take the branches down to that shape.
Hedge clippers are used to remove branches that extend beyond the shape of the burning bush.When shortening a branch, cut it back to the point that is at least 1/6 inch above a bud or side branch.Unless you want to completely remove the bottom half of the bush, you should make the top slightly thinner.It will allow sunlight to reach the leaves of the shrub.A wide top can prevent the sun from reaching the bottom of the plant.
Step 7: Remove some interior branches.
Thin out some of the dense interior branches when you burn bushes to improve the spread of air and sunlight through the plant.Cut the oldest, tallest branches back to their point of origin on the main stem.Pruning shears can be used to cut inward growing branches so that they grow outward and make the bush less dense.
Step 8: New growth should be trimmed back later in the season.
The burning bush needs to be trimmed in the middle of summer to maintain its shape.You don't need to worry about accidentally removing flower buds when you do a summer pruning because burning bushes are usually grown for their autumn foliage.Wait until new growth reaches a length of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to determine a more precise time for your summerPruning.New growth should be trimmed down by 2 inches (5 cm) in the spring.
Step 9: Pruning around early spring is a good idea.
The most severe form of pruning is rejuvenation.The best time to do this type ofPruning is in the late winter or early spring, since new Growth will be forming shortly thereafter, making it easier for the Plant to Recover.If the burning bush is sickly or severely overgrown, this type ofPruning should only be done.A healthy burning bush should be able to grow quickly after being pecked.You may need to repeat this practice every year until all of the trunks are gone.If you only have thin stems, you can let the bush grow to its desired height and keep it trimmed.
Step 10: The bush should be cut down to the ground.
Hedge shears can be used to cut the branches down until they are no more than 6 to 12 inches above the ground.When cutting the entire bush, leave at least 1 to 3 inches above the ground.The bush is more likely to make a full recovery if the cuts are clean and sharp.
Step 11: During the season, feed and water the bush.
During the first growing season after you peck, you will need to pay more attention to the bush.Apply an appropriatefertilizer and water the plant regularly.During the first spring and summer, water the burning bush once a week.Before the full sun of afternoon hits, give it water in the morning and make sure the soil is saturated.You should applyfertilizer once in the early spring and again in late summer or early fall, roughly two months before the first frost.Follow the instructions on the label if you want to use the proper method.