Hand Pruning

The Pruning Guru only uses proper hand pruning techniques, making individual cuts using hand pruners.

A plant may need pruning for any of the following reasons:

Shaping

Pruning plants in the landscape for aesthetics and uniformity.

Before and after the shaping of a Confederate Jasmine growing along a wire trellis, using only hand pruning techniques.

Thinning

Opening a plant to allow air and light into the center and promote interior growth.

Pictured is before and after the thinning and shaping of a Weeping Dissectum Japanese Maple. When properly pruned, the interior structure of the tree should be visible.

Correction

Making corrective cuts to remove breakage or damage within the plant to inhibit rot, infestation, or disease

The picture above is a before and after of a Nellie R. Stevens that had previously been sheared.

Rejuvenation

Reducing the size of a plant by 25% or more to re-size and/or regenerate a plant. Plants must receive enough sunlight in order to be successful in this pruning technique, and only specific plants can be rejuvenated. This pruning method must be completed during a particular time of the year depending on the weather conditions.

Pictured is a tree form Ligustrum, first after being rejuvenated, and then after regrowth. It had overgrown it’s space and needed to be drastically reduced in size.

Seasonal Maintenance

Our Seasonal Maintenance program is the perfect solution to keep your plants flourishing year-round. Big or small, we understand the investment involved in your property’s landscape. A Pruning Guru estimator will craft a unique plan for ongoing pruning maintenance that caters to each individual property.

How often does my property need pruning?

Each property is different, comprised of different plants with specific growth patterns and needs. Another factor is the weather, which can create faster or slower growth. Some may need one to two visits per year, while others may need pruning once a month. All of these factors are taken into account by our estimators when creating a plan for your seasonal maintenance.

What is the cost of the Seasonal Maintenance program?

Once we have created a schedule for how often your property needs pruning, an estimator will come by for a walk-through about a month in advance. This allows us to develop a new, timely work order for your trees and shrubs for each visit. The cost will be determined at that estimate, which allows us to adapt our work to each stage of your plant material’s growth.

Planting

If pruning is no longer an option, it may be time for a new beginning.

The Pruning Guru is not only well-versed in proper pruning, but also in planting trees and shrubs. When creating a planting plan, our estimators take into consideration the appearance of each new plant within the landscape and the proper placement. The proper selection and placement of a plant based on its needs and the environment ensures your new landscape enhancement will flourish over time.

This company is so professional, it is always such a delight to do business with everyone from Rick the owner, receptionist/scheduler, to all the staff I’ve personally come in contact with. Everything looks so natural when they leave (not like it just for a bad shave), and all cleaned up too.

Barbara J.

I had a terrific experience with Rick and his team from The Pruning Guru. He and I walked our property together and he explained carefully what he’d do to each shrub, bush or tree to improve its health and appearance. He followed up with a detailed written estimate the next day, creating a detailed plan and record for the work. The team arrived as scheduled and met with me to discuss their work, as laid out in the plan. Everything was hand-trimmed and not a single power tool was used. They were careful, thoughtful and neat. After they were done, I got a front to back and side to side review of their work to ensure I was satisfied. The clean up was fantastic. Like many homeowners, we have invested quite a bit in our landscaping. To insure the health and appearance of your investment, I recommend Rick, The Pruning Guru, in the strongest and most enthusiastic way!

John K.

I could not more highly recommend Jeff and his team at The Pruning Guru! I was struggling with my landscapers keeping up with what was best for my shrubs and trees. I did not know about the company, but they are a true answer to prayers! Their expertise, willingness and availability to educate is bar none! They were respectful of my property, cleaned up every twig they pruned and made sure that I was happy with the results as we walked the entire yard once again before they left. So very happy and look forward to their return at the right time in late fall/winter to ensure the plants will be ready for spring!

Jan W.

First time customer. Initially met on-site with a Pruning Guru professional, walked the property and received a written estimate the next day. Estimate included detailed pruning instructions for the following plantings: Loropetalums, Azaleas, Tea Olives, Cryptomerias, Camellias, Boxwoods, Rhododendrons, Lenten Roses and a Japanese Maple Tree. The Pruning Guru office called to confirm Crew was enroute an hour prior to the scheduled arrival time. Crew went straight to work and was well supervised by very experienced Supervisors. Only hand tools were used (i.e., pruners, loppers, pole cutters and pruning saws). All cuttings were gathered and removed from the property. We were very pleased with the professional pruning service provided and expect our plantings will greatly benefit.

Tim T.

Rick Smith, the Pruning Guru, knows his stuff! I had heard Rick speak and knew I wanted to use him one day. He also has a fantastic team working for him. They are knowledgeable, responsive, courteous, professional and really good at what they do! They were a joy to work with. My husband was in Houston for the Braves game (and they won the World Series!), and I texted him and told him the work Rick's team did in our yard was "transformational." I had neglected doing the pruning for years because I just wasn't sure the proper way to prune. Thank goodness I hired Rick's company The Pruning Guru. Rick knows his business and he has taught his team well. They did a fabulous job for us, and I will keep them coming to maintain and improve my landscaping for years to come. I can't wait to see what their handiwork looks like this spring!

Liza M.

Rick and his crew were extremely professional and knowledgeable. I had been looking for someone to hand prune for a long time now. So happy I found them online. The task wasn't a small one and I can't wait to see the rejuvenation come to life!

Cathy L.

I have been using Pruning Guru for years and I couldn’t be happier. All the people on the crew that take care of my landscaping are very courteous and knowledgeable about landscaping. They do a thorough job every time they come. The Gurus take care of four of our properties and it all looks so wonderful. They provide service with a smile and I love this company!

M. C. B.

The crew showed up on time. Worked diligently. Were very receptive to one small change. Even worked in the drizzle. Were very polite and took away all the cuttings. We are having Pike do some planting and I told the gentlemen Pruning Guru was coming - he said they do excellent work. Highly recommend them. Glad to be a reference.

Barbara B.

We have been customers of Pruning Guru for 5 years now. Our experiences are always positive and we have come to appreciate their approach to pruning, no electric hedge trimmers here! We tell our friends it's like your shrubs and plants get a great hair cut. We recently had a landscaping project completed and are very happy with the outcome. Jeff was great to work with and the crew worked hard to bring the plan to life. Thank you!

Carol B.

Jeff was so knowledgeable and advised me well. Sydney finished the project and cleaned up just as we discussed. The invoice and payment process was the most efficient/ user friendly system I have ever seen. Very easy to work with Pruning Guru. I system recommend and will use them again.

Missy K.

These are the best folks in the business. I have used them for a long time and their work quality and on time service is second to none. Jeff Collins always aims to please. Use them and you will be amazed.

David B.