Most people don’t realize that shearing although common and easy is not the best way to prune plants.  In a perfect world shrub should be pruned in a similar way to tree pruning. This type of pruning or hand sniping is slower and more deliberate but it allows for better pruning wounds. Using by-pass pruners allows you to make accurate pruning cuts.  By making proper pruning cuts it allows the plant to close the wounds.  This is much better for the plants long term health.  Using by-hand snips also allows pruning wounds at varying depth which encourages interior growth.  This type of pruning leaves the plant with controlled but a more natural texture.