Sunday, April 22, 2012

diy evergreen spiral topiary


It was a diy weekend for sure,
digging in yard
drudgery in yard
details in yard!

Do you love those pricey spiral shaped evergreen topiaries? If so, you're in luck!
 I shaped a couple of my own a few years ago,
 but our gardener hadn't kept them trimmed in my dreams so I decided to do it myself
 and show you how easy it is to create one.

It works well with smaller potted evergreens, as well.


gapphoto.com


BEFORE


AFTER


BEFORE


AFTER


Search google images for a style you like.
It's best to start with a young tree, you can find them inexpensively at Home Depot. 
Coil twine around the tree, this will be your cutting pattern. 


Before cutting any branch I double check how it will look by simply pulling
 it away from the tree to be sure I'm happy with the appearance once it's GONE!  

Make a deep cut to the center of the tree and follow the line created by the twine.
 (I use electric hedge clippers, but you may want to try something manual to begin with) 



In the open area trim any small branches or debris from the trunk,
 you want it  nice and clean for definition.


Keep following your pattern, standing back and taking a look,
 tweaking where necessary.


After you have the basic shape you like go back and round the edges with the clippers.


Mother Nature provided me with a large spot bare of branches in the back,
so you can see I went with Plan B when I got to the top! 



I doubt you'll see Plan B on any google image search,
but I'm happy it's trimmed and the diy (details in yard) are shaping up! :)



18 comments:

Danielle said...

Very pretty!

Jo said...

Very impressive {and beautiful!}
I'm passing this helpful tip on to my gardener :)

Have a great week ~
Jo

Crissy @ House of Marlowe said...

Wow! All that and a green thumb too.... no fair! :) Looks great and I love your white picket fence!

Dana Frieling said...

I have two of these outside our garage. Wonder if mine would turn out as nice? Doubt it. ha!

Katie {Miss Dixie} said...

I'm impressed- your trees look great! I love that topiary look and I'm swooning over that adorable white fence- I want one so bad!! :)

Unknown said...

I have always wanted to put a couple of these in some pots on my front stoop but was never willing to pay the price. I am always inspired by your fearless DIY projects Pam...this is another I may have to try!

Diana @ Your Day Simplified said...

Can you also sculpt a big bird or a snoopy? You are so talented. That is awesome! I have a feeling it wouldn't look the same at my house. hmmmm....

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

I love your plan B...it's unique! You are a true arteest!! :-) I want to plop down and have a picnic in your front yard. Gorgeous!

Lori said...

I love shaped topiaries and never would have thought of trying it myself. Thanks for sharing, Pam. You are a master of all trades.

erica said...

What a beautiful yard and I love how you reshaped the tree! xo

Unknown said...

This is amazing! you have endless talents my dear! So nice of you to coordinate with my post today! :)
Have a great week.
Nancy

http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/04/myrtle-topiaries.html

Andrea said...

Wow, looks like a work of art now! I have a few trees that I could butcher up. That's probably what I would do to the poor little things. Yours look awesome.

Kayla @ Your Day Simplified said...

Great job! Can't believe what a difference that makes!! How long did that take?

Lesli at My Old Country House said...

Hi Pam, I just found you after reading your sweet comment on Emily Clarks Blog when I was featured last week. Thank You!I love your blog and we have similar taste...though I think you are more gifts with landscaping! I hope you come back to see my at MOCH (my old country House) real soon!
xolesli

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Cool! We have one boxwood that my hubby did this with years ago - it has one ball on top and one on bottom. I love this post - might have to convince hubby to help me with some of this:)

Holly Gruszka said...

Our landscaping is in need of some help. I've always admired these even when I was younger as a passenger in my Mom's car I'd love the "corkscrew" trees.

Leslie said...

Pam,

My hands are sore just looking at all the work you did! What a wonderful new look you have - and YES those can be pricey so good to DIY!!
leslie

Carly Haslee said...

Seriously impressed. Is there anything you can't do?! I think so many yards are missing the little details. This really spices things up! xo

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