Shrubs will require periodic pruning to maintain their proper shape and
size. Many shrubs will grow tall and spindly if not thinned-out
occasionally. Some shrubs will sucker severely at the ground if the
older stems or canes are not removed. This causes the shrub to spread
beyond its normal limits.
The proper method for maintaining shrub shape is to remove all canes
that are larger than one inch in diameter. These should be removed as
close to the ground line as possible. This practice will open the center
of the plant so that more light can penetrate into it. Also, the size of
the shrub will be maintained at the desirable height.
[Illustration: _When removal of a cane has been decided upon, make
the cut as close to the ground as possible (example A). When an old
cane selected for removal has a desirable shoot at its base, make a
cut as shown in example B. Note that the cut is slanted and is
approximately ¼ inch above the shoot._]