Pruning a Shrub to Look Like a Tree
Here you can see an example of a shrub that has been pruned nicely into a tree form. The upright yaupon holly to the right can be a focal point that adds lots of character to your landscape. The best shrubs for tree forming are ones that grow to be at least 6 feet in height. You may either prune for single- or multi-trunk, depending on the existing branching. Top pruning or sheering may be necessary to achieve a more formal shape.