How to Trim a Boxwood

Boxwood evergreen is a garden staple because of its versatility. It can be found in many types of gardens, from historical to contemporary. It can also be grown in a container or as a topiary plant. Boxwood shrubs are not difficult to care for, but they do require regular trimming. Heavy pruning should be done in early spring, as pruning encourages tender new growth that's easily damaged by freezing temperatures.

• 1

  Trim one-third of the tallest branches to the preferred height in the first spring after planting. Clip outside branches and buds all the way back to the wood.

• 2

  Cut back half of the tallest branches during the second spring.

• 3

  Prune the remaining tall branches to the preferred height during the shrub's third growing season.

• 4

  Continue to trim to the desired shape and size each spring, but don't remove more than 50 percent of the foliage, even on well-established plants.

• 5

  Prune 6- to 7-inch branches in various places throughout the foliage to allow air and sunlight to penetrate the shrub, and to help prevent the development of fungal disease.

• 6

  Remove damaged, diseased or dead foliage as often as necessary, during any season.