There is a lot of talk among the so called experts about the science of pruning shrubs. They say you must do it in a certain way, at a certain time and they make it sound a very complicated process indeed. It doesn't have to be like that and you don't have to feel intimidated.

A lot of people are frightened off by hearing these gardening experts talk and they shouldn't be. It may be true that there is a good way to prune shrubs and plenty of less good ways to do it, it is your shrub and you can hack it about as much as you like.

There are some important basic principles involved in the process of pruning shrubs. You want to maintain a good shape for the plant, you want to avoid stems and stalks that cross over and rub against each other and you probably don't want those long weak shoots leaning out all over the place but the best way to learn what is best is to get in there with your secateurs and start pruning.

First look at the shape of your shrub. Does it look overgrown? Has it lost it's shape? When you started garden planning you would have had an expectation of how your plants and shrubs would look. Cut it back to the shape you want it to be. Try not to cut it back to the old woody stems. You want to see a few green shoots showing or the little 'knuckles' where the buds will shoot from next year.

Next think about opening up the inside of the shrub to allow more air and room for growth. Stalks that are getting crossed and tangled inside the main shrub growth probably won't do much to improve the look, the shape or the health of your shrub so chop them out.

So now you may have a shrub that looks like it just left the barbers shop. You may wonder what you have done and whether you should have left it alone. Chances are it will grow back stronger and healthier than ever and you will feel more confident about pruning shrubs next time you decide pruning is needed.

It is a skilled process to produce the perfect shrub but in general they are tough plants and will take a heap of bad treatment and still come out growing each year so don't feel intimidated by the experts. We all have to learn somehow.