Pruning

As a plant grows, it often will require pruning for shape, size, or removal of dead or diseased material. Basically, any stem can be removed if it is necessary. Plants have the ability to rejuvenate after pruning if the pruning is done properly*. Keep in mind that more spacing between branches allows adequate air flow throughout the entire plant, lessening chances for diseases.  

Here are the best times of year to prune your trees and shrubs.  

 

Early Spring, Before Leaves Appear 

Clethra  

Cornus, shrub Dogwoods  

Deutzia 

Hibiscus 

Hydrangea 

Ilex, Winterberry  

Physocarpus, Ninebark  

Potentilla  

Spirea, Anthony Waterer  

Weigela  

 

Late Spring, Early Summer Before July 4, but after flowering  

Acer, Maple  

Amelanchier, Shadbush 

Betula, Birch  

Chaenomeles, Quince  

Cornus, Flowering Dogwood 

Crataegus, Hawthorn 

Enkianthus  

Forsythia 

Kalmia, Mountain Laurel  

Kolkwitzia, Beauty Bush  

Philadelphus, Mockorange  

Magnolia  

Malus, Flowering Crabapple  

Pieris, Andromeda  

Prunus, flowering Cherries, Pear, Plums  

Rhododendron & Azalea, except summer blooming varieties  

Salix, Pussy Willow    

Spirea, Renaissance, Snowmound  

Syringa, Lilac  

Viburnum 

 

Prune Anytime  

Blueberries  

Cotoneaster  

Fraxinus, Ash 

Fruit Trees**  

Gleditsia, Honeylocust    

Larix, Larch   

Needled Evergreens  

 

If a plant absolutely requires pruning; prune it regardless of the time of year. Reduction of flowers is a small price to pay for a healthy plant 

 

*Pruning paint is not considered beneficial to plants. 

**Most fruit trees are regularly pruned while they are dormant in the winter. This does reduce the number of flowers but increases the size and quality of fruit.