Barberry Bush Pruning

Japanese barberry is a dense shrub that can grow up to 6 feet high. Barberry bushes have bright green leaves that turn to a beautiful orange color during the fall. This shrub makes berries during the winter months and it has delicate yellow flowers in spring. To maintain the aspect of the shrub, you need to prune it from time to time.  Here is what you need to know about Barberry bush pruning:

First of all, it is best to prune the bush during spring. This will clear it of old twigs left-over from winter and prepare it for growing new branches. Begin my cleaning the debris from your pruning tools with a rag.

Secondly, prepare a solution with one part bleach and three parts water in a bucket or other recipient. Soak your pruning tools in it for 5 minutes. By disinfecting the tools you prevent bacteria from spreading to the plants. This also helps keep your tools in good shape.

You should prune the young Barberry as soon as you plant it. Cut it within 6 inches from the ground. This will encourage the branches to grow as well as speed up fruiting. Remove all the dead and diseased limbs of the old plant and cut them to the point of origin.

Barberry Bush Pruning

When it comes to Barberry bush pruning, you should start by trimming the oldest and biggest branches first. From the point of origin or from the Y branch, cut branches to a lateral side or at the ground level. Step back to assess your work. Your goal should be to create enough space in the interior for sun to get to the trunk. Bring any unruly stems to your desired shape. To rejuvenate the bush, cut up to 1/3 of the old branches.

After you are done, take all of the cut branches and clean up the mess. Discard the pruning debris and then you are done. This how you do Barberry bush pruning, simply and efficiently.