The Best Ways to Handle Overgrown Trees and Shrubs

When trees and shrubs get too big, they stop looking nice and can even cause problems. Branches might scrape the house, block sunlight, or fall during storms. Shrubs can grow over sidewalks or take up space you need for other things. Taking care of them doesn’t have to be hard—but it does take a little time and the right tools.

A lot of people put off trimming trees and bushes because they think it’s a big job. But if you break it down and keep up with it, it becomes just another part of regular yard care. You don’t need to be an expert, and you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. You just need to know what to look for, when to trim, and how to do it safely.

Start by Checking What Needs Work

Before you start cutting anything, walk around your yard and take a good look. Are there tree branches hanging low or rubbing against your roof or windows? Are there shrubs spilling out over your driveway or making it hard to walk down the sidewalk? Those are the spots to focus on first.

It’s also smart to check for dead or broken branches. They might not look like much now, but they can fall during a storm or strong wind. Getting rid of them early keeps everything safer.

You don’t have to trim every tree or bush all at once. Start with what’s causing a problem or looks messy, and work from there.

Use the Right Tools for the Job

Trimming trees and shrubs is easier when you’re not fighting with your tools. For smaller branches, hand clippers or loppers work fine. But if you’re cutting thicker branches or working on taller trees, you’ll need something more powerful.

That’s where a chainsaw comes in—but not the huge, loud kind you see in movies. A lot of people are switching to lighter, cordless options that are made for yard work. If you want something easier to use around the house, a battery chainsaw is a solid pick. It’s quiet, doesn’t need gas, and usually starts with just a button press.

These kinds of tools are great for trimming trees without dragging cords around or dealing with fuel and oil. And they’re usually lighter, so they’re easier to hold while you work.

Know When to Trim

Timing matters. Most of the time, late winter or early spring is best for trimming trees and shrubs. That’s when they’re not growing much, and you can see their shape better without all the leaves in the way.

But if a branch is broken or dangerous, you can take it down any time of year. Safety always comes first. The same goes for bushes that are blocking a path or getting in the way—those can be trimmed whenever they start causing problems.

Just try not to do heavy pruning during really hot weather or in the middle of a growth spurt. That can make plants weaker and harder to recover.

Trim Without Hurting the Plant

One mistake people make is cutting too much at once. You want to shape the plant and make it look tidy, but you don’t want to chop off half of it in one go. That can stress the plant out and slow down its growth.

When trimming trees, cut just outside the “branch collar.” That’s the little bump where a branch connects to the trunk or a bigger branch. Cutting too close can hurt the tree, and cutting too far can leave a stub that gets infected.

With shrubs, try to follow the natural shape. Don’t just cut across the top like you’re giving it a haircut. Trim each branch back a little, so it stays full and even.

Clean Up After You’re Done

Once you’re finished trimming, there’s usually a pile of branches, twigs, and leaves to deal with. Cleaning up right away keeps your yard from looking messy—and makes sure you’re not stepping over things later.

You can bundle up branches for yard waste pickup, start a compost pile, or take them to a local drop-off spot if your town has one. Some people even use the smaller branches as kindling for fire pits, if they’re dry and clean.

Getting everything cleared up right away also helps you see how the plants look and whether you missed a spot.

Stay Safe While You Work

Any time you’re working with sharp tools or cutting branches, safety matters. Always wear gloves to protect your hands and eye protection so you don’t get poked or hit by flying debris.

If you’re using a chainsaw, make sure you’re standing on steady ground and keeping both hands on the tool. Never try to cut something while standing on a wobbly ladder. If a branch is too high or too thick, it’s better to wait and get help from someone with the right gear.

Working slowly and paying attention makes a big difference. Rushing leads to mistakes, and mistakes lead to injuries.

Keep It Up Over Time

The easiest way to handle overgrown trees and shrubs is to keep them from getting overgrown in the first place. That means checking on them every few weeks, especially during the growing season. If you see something getting out of hand, deal with it early.

It’s way easier to trim a few small branches than to deal with a giant one that’s close to falling. Same goes for shrubs—shaping them a little bit every now and then keeps them looking neat without much effort.

Yard care isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying ahead of things so they don’t turn into a problem later.

What to Take Away

Overgrown trees and shrubs might seem like a big job, but they don’t have to be. If you start with what’s in the way, use tools that are easy to handle, and take your time, you can clean things up without too much trouble. A battery chainsaw or some simple clippers go a long way when you’re just trying to keep your yard in shape.

The more often you check in on your trees and bushes, the less work it takes to keep them looking good. With a little routine, you can stay on top of it—and your yard will look better for it.