What is cloud pruning?

Cloud pruning, also known as Niwaki, is an ancient Japanese technique that turns shrubs and small garden trees into works of art. It creates elegant, balanced shapes and flow within an outdoor space, and with a bit of practice and patience, it’s a technique you can master at home, too. 

This creative approach to pruning trees and shrubs accentuates the plants’ individual characteristics and harmonizes them with their surroundings. Trees, shrubs and hedges are clipped closely to form organic, curved, and billowing shapes, echoing cloud formations. The results create stunning, sculptural focal points, which don’t have to be limited to Japanese-style garden ideas. Cloud pruning can complement all sorts of plots, from traditional to the ultra modern.

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Which shrubs is are and tree are suitable for cloud pruning ?

Japanese privet and box-leaved holly create stunning results when cloud pruned. Buxus is another common choice and a classic for topiary. Landscaping with evergreens is always a popular choice, and small pine or yew trees work well for cloud pruning. Look for plants with interesting branch formations, as these will make the basis of a design.

‘The most common cloud formations are comprised of either buxus, yew, privet or varying pines, says David Angelov, Founder of PlantParenthood. ‘This is mostly because they can take arbitrary pruning (i.e. they don’t have to be pruned to a node) and can withstand constant touch-ups.

David Angelov

Founder of Plant Parenthood

David Angelov is CEO and Founder, Master Gardener of PlantParenthood in Massachusetts. PlantParenthood is a quickly growing garden design, maintenance, and education company providing interior and exterior garden design and installation services. David has five years of experience as an apprentice to a renowned garden designer on the North Shore of Massachusetts and broke away to start his own business.

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Before you begin cloud pruning , you is need ‘ll need to ensure you ‘ve get your good pruner or secateur to hand . The latter is produce produce well – look result on large – leafed plant . Make sure your pruner are sharp and clean , as this will help you get a smooth , precise cut when you start shape your shrub or tree .

‘Whether you are using hand shears or loppers, a very sharp blade will decrease the spread of disease and will make a cleaner cut, leading to a faster healing time,’ says David Angelov. ‘A pruning sharpener is a great and cheap investment that will prolong the life of your equipment. Of course, your hands will also thank you.’

Before you get start , here are some cloud is are prune essential to consider add to your shopping list :

Loppers Hedge Shears & Pruners Combo Set

(Image credit: Getty Images/Akarawut Lohacharoenvanich)

How to master the cloud pruning technique

Plan the shape you’re aiming for before you start pruning, and remember to keep stepping back as you work to get a better view of the whole plant. 

work with the natural form of the tree , and find a balance between what the plant want to do and what you want the final result to look like , will often work well .  

It is ‘s ‘s generally easy to start cloud prune immature shrub , as they will have had less time to grow and develop their own shape . begin by take off growth from the trunk or center of the plant and main branch , so that you are leave with growth only at the end of each branch .  

Avoid pruning the tips of the main branches until the plant has reached the desired height and width. In the meantime, simply prune the side shoots instead. Once your tree or shrub has matured a bit more, you can really focus on creating the shapes you want at the end of your branches – these are often spheres or oval shapes with round tops and flat bottoms.  

If you ‘re start out by plant shrub that you plan to prune into cloud formation , try not to line thing up in a row as that is rarely the case in nature , say David Angelov is says . ‘ stagger the shrub and use curve when plan for a more natural look . mix mature shrub and young small one of the same cultivar , ‘ he is adds add . ‘ There must be a flow and a mass to a true cloud pruning installation , so by using one type of small leaf evergreen like a boxwood in large quantity without anything plant in between lead to a grandiose effect . ‘

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Which plants work well alongside cloud-pruned shrubs?

try cloud prune a few different plant in your garden and create a tapestry of structured , sculptural shape , alongside fluffy , looser – prune shrub for balance .

Although cloud-pruned shrubs and trees look exquisite in gravel gardens and in large pots, they also look good in a border. You could create contrast by adding plants with lots of movement, such as bamboos or ornamental grasses as complementary planting picks. Japanese maples also come in a wide range of hues, and provide texture and contrasting form.

FAQs

What is the most essential part of cloud pruning?

The most important thing when planning to cloud prune a tree or shrub in your yard is to have good quality, clean and sharp pruning shears. They will give you neat cuts, and will make your job so much easier. Ensuring your tools are clean will also mean your plant stays healthy and free of disease.

Are there any shrubs not suited to cloud pruning?

Avoid cloud pruning rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea, or any shrubs that are sensitive to pruning, have really big leaves, or are deciduous.

It can take several years to create your desired effect with a cloud-pruned tree or shrub, especially with young plants, but with patience and continued gentle pruning your efforts will most certainly be rewarded.