Touch-up pruning with hand pruners on a number of shrubs can greatly improve their appearance. Ligustrum, elaeagnus, cleyera and a number of other shrubs tend to send up several shoots that significantly protrude from the canopy. These longer shoots should be completely removed or at least cut off below the canopy. This will give the shrubs a more natural look. You should do some pruning on roses now, also.
Gardeners often neglect their roses during the busy summer months.
It's not too late to start rose care again in order to obtain excellent blossoms during the fall months. Here's how to get those roses blooming for the fall. First, remove healthy top growth as well as dead twigs and branches. Cut out any diseased, injured or spindly growth and shorten the main canes and lateral branches. But leave at least half the length of each main cane that's 1 to 3 years old.