Training a Young Helleri

• 1). Prune off multiple trunks with shears or loppers; use shears for branches up to 1/4 inch thick and loppers for branches up to 1 1/2 inches thick. Leave a small stub where the cut trunk attaches to the main trunk.
  
  
• 2). Prune the young Helleri from late winter through midsummer to promote vigorous new growth, which will make a denser, more compact adult Helleri.
  
  
• 3). Shape the young Helleri by cutting back any branches that lead to the shrub's undesirable shape. This may include branches that are much longer than the rest, or too close to the ground.
  
  
• 4). Remove any branches that are crossing over other branches or those that are too close together.
  
  

Full-Grown Helleri

• 1). Shape your Helleri with hedge shears by cutting off any branches that shoot out after new growth is put on.
  
  
• 2). Prune the top off your shrub -- this will make your Helleri spread more, creating a wider plant.
  
  
• 3). Maintain your Helleri's health by pruning off any diseased branches or by thinning out the plant. Thinning requires cutting back inside branches to the main trunk, creating more air circulation and sunlight access for the plant.
  
  

General Pruning

• 1). Cut the branch right above a bud or twig; leaving too long of a stub will result in that stub dying, turning brown, and creating an eyesore in that place.
  
  
• 2). Use the right tools. Hedge shears are for shaping; hand shears, loppers, and pruning saws are for pruning, thinning back, and maintaining health.
  
  
• 3). Head back and thin out your Helleri together; too much of one or the other can result in an unpleasing plant.