Hi there! I’m Zack Kemp — founder and chief technician at Picture Perfect Homes. We help homeowners and business owners all over the Salt Lake Valley take better care of their properties. One thing I see time and time again is improper bush trimming. It might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, the way your bushes are trimmed can seriously affect the health and appearance of your yard.
I’ve spent years offering bush trimming services in Salt Lake Valley, and I’ve learned what works — and what definitely doesn’t. If you’ve ever trimmed your own bushes and thought, “Well, that didn’t turn out like I planned,” you’re not alone.
In this post, I’ll walk you through five of the most common mistakes people make when trimming their bushes — and I’ll explain how professionals (like my team) avoid them to keep landscapes looking sharp, clean, and healthy.
Let’s dig in.
1. Trimming at the Wrong Time of Year
One of the most common mistakes I see is trimming bushes at the wrong time. Timing really matters when it comes to plant health.
Many people assume they can just trim whenever the bushes start looking overgrown. But here’s the truth: different bushes need to be trimmed at different times based on their growth cycle and bloom time.
What Happens When You Trim at the Wrong Time:
- You may cut off flower buds before they bloom.
- You can shock the plant, causing stress or slow growth.
- It might open the plant up to disease or sunburn.
How We Avoid It:
As professionals, we know which plants should be trimmed in spring, summer, or fall. For example, spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs should be trimmed right after they bloom, while summer-blooming bushes like rose of Sharon are best trimmed in late winter or early spring.
We build our trimming schedule around your plants’ natural growth patterns to help them thrive — not just survive.
2. Over-Trimming or “Scalping” Bushes
Another mistake we see all the time is cutting too much off at once — something we call "scalping."
It might feel good to get everything nice and tight, but when you take too much off, you risk damaging the plant’s structure. I’ve seen bushes that were so aggressively trimmed that they never fully recovered.
Signs You May Have Over-Trimmed:
- Sparse or bald patches that don’t grow back.
- Brown edges or wilting leaves.
- The bush loses its natural shape and looks uneven.
How We Avoid It:
At Picture Perfect Homes, we follow the “one-third rule” — never remove more than one-third of a shrub’s growth at a time. This keeps the plant healthy while still giving you that clean, neat look.
Plus, we take care to preserve the natural shape of each plant, instead of forcing everything into a box or ball shape (unless that's what the plant naturally wants to be).
3. Using the Wrong Tools (Or Dull Blades)
You’d be surprised how often we see people using dull or improper tools when trimming bushes. And while it might seem like any old pair of garden shears will do the job, using the wrong tools can cause serious damage.
What Can Go Wrong:
- Dull blades tear the branches instead of cutting them cleanly, which opens the plant to disease.
- Using big hedge trimmers on small shrubs can lead to uneven results.
- Chainsaws (yes, we’ve seen it!) are way too aggressive for most bush trimming needs.
How We Avoid It:
We keep all our tools sharpened, sanitized, and properly matched to the job. That might mean using hand pruners for precision cuts, loppers for thicker branches, or gas/electric trimmers for hedges.
We also clean our tools between jobs to prevent spreading any kind of plant disease — it’s a small thing that makes a big difference in plant health.
4. Ignoring the Bush’s Natural Shape and Growth Habit
Many homeowners trim bushes without understanding how that specific plant grows. Every shrub has its own shape, structure, and growth direction. Trimming against that natural pattern not only looks odd, but can also weaken the plant over time.
Common Problems from Ignoring Growth Patterns:
- Flat tops that collect snow and water (leading to rot in winter).
- Thinning at the bottom with thick tops that block light.
- Unbalanced growth that makes the bush lopsided or unstable.
How We Avoid It:
Our first step in any bush trimming job is plant identification. We don’t just start cutting — we look at how the plant grows, what shape it wants to be, and how it fits into the overall landscape.
Then we trim in a way that supports its natural beauty and helps it grow stronger. That’s what separates professional bush trimming services from a quick DIY job.
5. Neglecting Cleanup and Aftercare
Last but not least — many people forget that trimming is only half the job. If you don’t clean up properly and care for the plant after a trim, all that effort can go to waste.
Why Cleanup and Aftercare Matter:
- Leftover clippings can block sunlight or attract pests.
- Open cuts can make the plant vulnerable to infection.
- Soil and roots may need support after heavy trimming.
How We Avoid It:
When you hire Picture Perfect Homes, we never leave a mess behind. We clean up all clippings and debris, haul everything away, and even give your plants a quick inspection to check for signs of stress.
If needed, we’ll also water the base, add mulch, or recommend aftercare tips. Our goal is to keep your landscape not just tidy, but truly healthy and thriving.
Why Choose Picture Perfect Homes for Bush Trimming Services in Salt Lake Valley?
We’ve been trimming bushes and maintaining landscapes throughout Salt Lake Valley since 2022. From Bountiful to Park City, Holladay to Lehi, we’ve worked with all types of plants, property sizes, and design styles.
Here’s what makes our bush trimming services stand out:
- We know local plants and seasonal timing
- We use professional-grade, well-maintained tools
- We trim with care to protect long-term plant health
- We shape bushes based on their natural growth
- We clean up everything — no piles of leaves left behind
We’re not just here to make things look good for a week. We want your property to stay Picture Perfect all season long.
Final Thoughts
Bush trimming might seem simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes that harm your plants or your property’s appearance. I’ve seen it happen too many times — which is why I always tell folks: don’t guess when it comes to your greenery.
Instead, trust a team that knows what to look for, when to trim, and how to keep your yard healthy and beautiful through every season.
If you’ve got overgrown shrubs, uneven hedges, or bushes that just need a little love, give us a call. We’ll handle it with care and precision — and leave your landscape looking better than ever.
Get a Free Quote for Bush Trimming
Need help with your shrubs or hedges? We’d love to chat. Call us today at (801) 888-9925 Or request your free quote online.
We proudly serve homes and businesses across the Salt Lake Valley — and we’re here to keep your property looking Picture Perfect all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I trim my bushes?
Most bushes benefit from two trimmings per year, depending on their type and growth rate. Flowering shrubs may need seasonal timing.
2. Can trimming bushes too much kill them?
Yes — over-trimming can stress or even kill a plant, especially if you remove too much at once or cut during extreme heat.
3. Do you haul away the clippings after trimming?
Yes. Our team cleans up all debris and hauls it away, so your yard is spotless when we’re done.
4. Do you offer bush shaping for formal hedges?
Absolutely. Whether you want a natural look or a clean, formal shape, we trim to your style preferences — and the health of the plant.
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