Shrubs & Shearing - Why shearing is NOT an acceptable pruning practice for most shrubs:

• Works against the natural form of the shrub
• Cuts are not made at appropriate places on the stem tissue, causing decay and decline of stems
• Causes an "eggshell" appearance of the foliage which shades out the inner portions of the shrub
• Since most of the foliage is removed, the shrub must sprout new leaves, which is a huge energy expense