Pruning shrubs?

[dairydebris]

I've planted a few shrubs this spring / summer, and I fancy a little bit of pruning for shape... should I generally leave them for a few years to settle in before attacking them?

I've got a few Cotinus, a Eucalyptus, lilacs, Weigela, and 2 flowering cherry trees...

Prune or leave?

Thankyou!

Different species need pruning at different times of year. Look each variety up on the RHS website and follow their pruning advice for that species.

Thanks, I have, but can't seem to find info on if its ok to prune first year after planting... it feels like I should give them a bit longer to establish but some of them are already quite unshapely...

I wouldn’t hard prune anything the first few years after planting, except for trained fruit. However an odd branch here and there isn’t going to harm. Bit late for pruning Cherries. Lilac and Weigela flower early in the year on the previous year’s growth so anything you prune now is likely to reduce flowering.

It might be worth removing any growth that is completely in the wrong direction or out of proportion, and any dead or awkward crossing branches.

Pruning for shape is fine and can be done now. It’s just a case of gentle trimming rather than pruning.