When is the best time to prune shrubs?

It depends on the species. Spring-flowering shrubs (lilac, forsythia) should be pruned right after blooming. Summer-flowering shrubs (hydrangea, spirea) are best pruned in late winter or early spring. We'll recommend the right timing for your plants.

Do you handle perennial division?

Yes! We can divide overgrown perennials and transplant them to fill in other areas of your landscape — a great way to expand your plantings at no additional plant cost.

Can you remove dead or overgrown shrubs?

Absolutely. We can remove and replace shrubs that are past their prime or have outgrown their space.

How often should shrubs be pruned?

Most shrubs benefit from annual pruning. Some fast-growing species may need a mid-season touch-up. We'll create a maintenance schedule based on your specific plantings.

Do you offer shrub planting or replacement?

Yes. If a shrub needs to be removed, we can recommend and install a replacement that's suited to the location's sun, soil, and space conditions.

Lawn Services

Shrub & Perennial Care

Your shrubs and perennials need regular attention to stay healthy and look their best. Our trained crew provides expert pruning, trimming, and seasonal care for all your landscape plants.

Expert Plant Care

Proper pruning at the right time promotes healthy growth, better flowering, and a more attractive shape. Pruning at the wrong time can remove next year's flower buds or leave plants vulnerable to winter damage. Our team knows Minnesota plants and the best practices for each species.

Neglected Shrubs Hurt Your Property

Overgrown shrubs block windows, crowd walkways, and make your property look unkempt. Dead branches harbor disease and attract pests. Perennials that haven't been divided become leggy, stop blooming, and crowd out their neighbors.

Regular maintenance keeps everything in check — your shrubs stay shaped, your perennials keep blooming, and your landscape looks intentional instead of neglected. It also extends the life of your plantings, saving you money on replacements.

Seasonal Pruning Guide

Spring Bloomers

Lilacs, Forsythia, Rhododendrons — prune RIGHT AFTER they finish blooming. Pruning before they bloom removes the flower buds.

Summer Bloomers

Hydrangeas (PG type), Spirea, Potentilla — prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Evergreens

Arborvitae, Juniper, Yew — prune in late spring after new growth has emerged. Avoid pruning into old wood that won't regrow.

Services Include

Shrub pruning and natural shaping (not hedge-trimming into boxes)
Perennial cutback in spring and fall
Perennial division and transplanting
Deadheading for extended blooming through the season
Seasonal cleanup around all plantings
Dead or overgrown shrub removal
Replacement recommendations suited to your landscape
Plant health assessments and care advice

Our Pruning Philosophy

We believe in natural shaping — working with the plant's growth habit instead of against it. That means no "meatball" shrubs or flat-topped hedges unless that's specifically what you want. Properly pruned shrubs look natural, healthy, and in proportion with your landscape.

We also prune for plant health first, appearance second. Removing dead, diseased, and crossing branches improves air circulation, reduces disease pressure, and lets light reach the interior of the plant. A healthy shrub is a beautiful shrub.

West Metro Lawn & Snow Green Lawn Guarantee — the healthiest, greenest lawn you've ever had or your money back

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our shrub & perennial care services

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from homeowners who use our shrub & perennial care services

Ryan Lynch

over 7 years ago

I do not write reviews often however, it is hard to find a professional company these days. Chris does a phenomenal job communicating with us. His teams work is always very consistent and the attentio...

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Matthew Madson

over 2 years ago

I've been very happy with West Metro's services - fertilizer, aeration, over seeding, weed control (lawn and landscape beds). Pricing is competitive, the results have been great, and I love how good t...

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