How to Prune a Spiral Topiary

Overview

Topiaries add an air of sophistication and style to a landscape. The spiral topiary is a classic design and creating one is not as difficult or complicated as it seems. You can use a simple pre-made wire frame to easily turn your shrub into a spiral shape. Maintaining the spiral topiary as the shrub grows can seem daunting at first, but with some practice and careful trimming, you can accomplish this task successfully.

Step 1

Place the spiral-shaped wire frame on the bush if you're just starting to create the spiral topiary. Using a pre-made spiral topiary frame is the easiest way to start a topiary and you can purchase frames at most garden stores and nurseries or online. Simply prune back the branches that are protruding out of the frame.

Step 2

Prune your spiral topiary in mid-June, when the leaves are strong and leathery. You can also prune in late summer. Don't trim your topiary in spring, because this will hurt the foliage.

Step 3

Start at the top of your spiral topiary, cutting back the foliage as far as the main stem. Always work from the top down.

Step 4

Trim the upper edge of the topmost spiral curve, angling your pruning shears and trimming stray foliage to shape the top of the curve. Then, prune the lower turn of the spiral. If your topiary has several "spirals," work your way down in this fashion as you prune.

Step 5

Step back at least 2 to 3 feet from the spiral topiary after you prune each curve. Look at the shape to make sure the curves are smooth and you're achieving the desired shape.