Trimming vs. Training
Overland Park, KS
The Difference Between Trimming and Training Your Landscape
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When this homeowner reached out to Royal Creations, their landscape was not neglected — their shrubs had been regularly maintained. However, years of routine trimming had allowed several mature yews and boxwoods to gradually expand beyond their intended growing areas.
The back story
These established shrubs were healthy and valuable landscape assets, but they had begun to crowd walkways and overwhelm the spaces they were designed to complement. The homeowner had reached the point where they believed the only solution was to remove the mature shrubs and start over.
After evaluating the landscape, Royal Creations saw an opportunity to restore the existing plants rather than replace them.
Through specialized pruning techniques and intentional shrub training, we were able to bring the landscape back into balance while preserving years of established growth.
The Challenge
Maintaining mature shrubs requires more than simply keeping them trimmed.
Routine shearing can keep shrubs looking neat, but over time many plants slowly increase in size. Without proper pruning strategies, established shrubs can become too large for their space, blocking pathways, impacting views, and competing with surrounding landscape features.
The goal was not simply to cut the shrubs back — it was to carefully reduce their size while protecting their health, structure, and natural appearance.
the transformation
Our team used selective pruning techniques to carefully reduce the footprint of the shrubs while maintaining their form and long-term health.
By reducing the mature yews and boxwoods approximately six inches, we were able to:
- Restore clearance along walkways
- Improve sight lines throughout the landscape
- Bring the shrubs back into proportion with their surroundings
- Preserve established plants that provide years of landscape value
The result was a refreshed landscape that felt more open, intentional, and manageable — without the cost or disruption of removing mature plants and starting over.
The crew from Royal Creations did a fantastic job and exceeded our expectations! We would highly recommend this company
— Rick Lane
After Gallery
Learn more about tree training
Interested in learning more about trimming vs. training and the strategies we implemented for this client? Check out this guide!
Tree training is a set of methods that direct the growth of your tree so it forms specific shapes. Common training techniques include selective pruning and limb positioning. Tree training goes beyond aesthetic improvements.