Lawncare: shurbs

[JTsyo]

Is there any tricks to cutting them smoothly in round shapes? My attempts tend to be pretty ugly. Since subtraction is the only option, it's hard to fix mistakes.

Also there's mulch under the shrubs, any tricks for cleaning up the clippings without disturbing the mulch? Last year I used a metal rake to try to pull the clippings out but that didn't work out well for the mulch. Maybe a blower?

 

[highland145]

I hear there's a flood of skilled labor coming out of AZ. Hook them up.

It's a skill and I don't have it. Like drawing/painting. Practice would be my suggestion(hasn't helped me), at someone elses house.

Knew a guy that put down an old sheet for the clippings.

 

[BoomerD]

I am a shurb butcher...and I don't do much better with shrubs either.

There's definitely a knack for doing this, and to do it right, you have to start "training" the shrub early. Once you get the "dead zone" in the center, it won't ever look right when you cut into it.

http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6870

 

[preslove]

This guy is between movies.

 

[Leros]

If its a bendy shrub, you're best off using small hand clippers. Its nearly impossible to trim one of those fast and do a good job.

If its a stiff shrub, it should be fairly easy to sculpt with some electric shears. Just slowly start removing.

 

[Jeeebus]

Obligatory

 

[sonicdrummer20]

Sheet for the clippings, and try using a stick with a rope attached for a radius, then just trim in a circular motion, basic geometry really.