Nandina Pruning

What This Service Involves

Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, has a distinctive cane-based structure that calls for a specific pruning technique rather than shearing. We prune in early spring, cutting individual canes at staggered heights down to different points within the plant so it keeps its natural, tiered look instead of becoming a bare-legged clump. The tallest, oldest canes are removed at the base to renew the shrub and encourage fresh growth from below. This approach maintains dense foliage from top to bottom, controls height near windows and walkways, and preserves the airy elegance nandina brings to Northwest landscapes.

Benefits

Preserves the natural layered, tiered form of the plant; Renews the shrub by removing old canes at the base; Keeps foliage full from top to bottom rather than leggy; Controls height near windows, walks, and foundations; Encourages fresh growth and good color

Our Process

1) Prune in early spring before or as new growth begins; 2) Identify the tallest, oldest canes for removal; 3) Cut selected canes to staggered heights within the plant; 4) Remove the oldest canes at the base to renew growth; 5) Shape for a tiered look and clear debris

What Affects the Cost

Size and number of nandina plants; Number of canes and degree of overgrowth; Whether height reduction or full renewal is needed; Access and placement in the landscape; Debris disposal

Best Time of Year

In the PNW, prune nandina in early spring, thinning canes at staggered heights before the season's new growth fills in.