Make tidy cuts

I am always on the lookout for good and bad pruning and came across this poor specimen of Elaeagnus x ebbingei. The untidy pruning cuts looked a mess and worse still, they will take a long time to heal and this will greatly increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infection. This is a mistake that could prove fatal for the plant. I am sure that a badly sharpened hedgetrimmer was used to butcher this plant. 

If you must use a hedgetrimmer on your shrubs, please tidy up the pruning cuts with a sharp pair of secateurs, treat your plants with respect and they will reward your efforts.