Perhaps it’s from years of seeing landscaping firms adding large beds of mulch (with few plants) and pruning shrubs into submission that has conditioned many homeowners to believe that their property is in tip-top shape if it looks like the mall’s or condominium's grounds.
The tight shearing of all too many shrubs is a common sight and a horticultural practice we are trying to end. Is there a time when tightly pruned boxwoods look perfect? Of course. Any formal English garden benefits from a well manicured hedge. However, that doesn't translate to all shrubs looking their best when turned into little balls or squares.