Mid-summer is the perfect time to give your garden topiary a little attention.
With lush new growth now matured, July is ideal for light trimming and shaping to keep your trees and shrubs looking their best. Whether you’re maintaining formal cones, soft spheres or something a little more sculptural, a few simple techniques can keep your garden looking sharp and structured all season long.
At Orchard Nurseries, we love the effortless elegance topiary brings. It’s low maintenance, timeless and delivers year-round impact — especially when it’s well kept. Here’s how to approach summer topiary care without overthinking it.
Why Now is the Right Time
By July, most topiary plants have completed their first flush of growth. Shaping now helps define their form and sets them up beautifully for the months ahead. You’ll avoid encouraging soft late-season growth, which is more vulnerable to weather and harder to shape cleanly.
What to Trim – and How
- Common topiary favourites like Buxus (box), Taxus (yew), Ilex crenata and Ligustrum jonandrum respond well to gentle summer pruning.
- Use sharp shears or topiary clippers to get a clean cut – avoid tearing the leaves.
- Trim lightly – you’re refining shape, not cutting back hard.
- Step back regularly to check the overall symmetry.
- Tidy around the base – a quick sweep or mulch refresh makes the whole piece stand out.
Do You Need a Template?
Not necessarily. If you’re aiming for simple spheres, cones or spirals, your eye can be your best guide. For more complex shapes or if you’re nervous, a wire frame can help, especially on younger plants still developing their form.
Feed and Water After Trimming
A gentle feed after pruning can help support healthy regrowth. Choose a slow-release fertiliser suitable for evergreens and water well – ideally in the early morning or evening. This helps plants bounce back and keep their rich green colour.
Our White Glove Advice
Not sure where to start or worried about overdoing it? We’re here to help. As part of our white glove service, we can guide you on plant selection, placement and basic care so your topiary always looks its best — no green fingers required.
Create Structure Without the Fuss
Topiary is a brilliant way to bring order and elegance to your space with very little effort. Keep the forms clean, the foliage healthy and don’t stress about perfection – it’s the overall impression that counts.
If your garden needs a little extra polish this summer, contact Orchard Nurseries or explore our curated range of topiary online.
PS. And if you are wondering what tools James uses p they are Niwaki and he wouldn’t use anything else.