The deciduous arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) rises easily in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Its clusters of white flowers appear in late spring. Its popular name comes from the simple fact that Native American populations have been said to have used its straight stems as arrow shafts. This rounded shrub grows 6 to 10 feet more or less using a spread equally as big. It is frequently used as a drop or natural display in landscaping. Therefore, annual pruning at the right time of this growing season is imperative to keep the arrowwood viburnum well molded and in place.
Clip the newest stems, or suckers, in the base of this arrowwood viburnum shrub the moment they seem to keep the bush from spreading. Mow the suckers when you mow the lawn or snip them separately with sharp pruning shears.
Prune the upper stems of this arrowwood viburnum with sharp pruning shears or loppers within two weeks later it flowers in the summertime because buds for the next year’s flowers will form during the summertime. If you prune after the buds form, you reduce the blooms for the subsequent calendar year.
Eliminate the oldest stems close to the base to start the inside of the shrub and promote new development, air circulation and light penetration. Don’t remove more than one-third of the entire tree through pruning.
Cut all of the stems of an older, unruly arrowwood tree which hasn’t had regular ripped almost to ground level in early spring before new growth appears to revive it. This permits you to plan its future growth and keep it using suitable, annual pruning in following decades.
Train a young or rejuvenated arrowwood shrub into a small tree shape by choosing a powerful, straight division as a central trunk. Eliminate all other stems at ground level and remove any side stems below a point of your choice. Shape the growth over this stage as a treetop.