How Do You Make A Spiral Topiary?
Spiral topiaries make attractive additions to a yard, especially flanking an entrance. Making a topiary is a simple matter of careful and continued pruning. You need to start with a full, cone-shaped evergreen. One variety that works especially well is a Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Picea Glauco “Conica.” Wind the masking tape around the tree in a spiral. On an average sized evergreen, you want to divide the tree into three sections. Position the tape so the sections get thicker toward the base. Starting at the top, use pruning shears to cut back the branches above and below the tape. At the very top, aim for removing all but a 2 or 3-inch strip of greenery. As you work your way down, decrease the number of branches you remove so the spiral widens gradually toward the base. Remove the masking tape and trim the remaining branches to emphasize the spiral shape. Create smooth, rounded edges and a graceful swirl. Protect the topiary from strong sunlight for its first two weeks. Prune your topiary
