How to make a spiral topiary

By Jerri Farris
eHow Contributing Writer

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."

Things You'll Need:

• Cone-shaped evergreen Masking tape Pruning shears

1. Step 1

   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.

2. Step 2

   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.

3. Step 3

   As you work your way down, decrease the number of branches you remove so the spiral widens gradually toward the base.

4. Step 4

   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.

5. Step 5

   Prune your topiary each spring. Shade it from strong sunlight for two weeks after each pruning.