Pruning Trees and Shrubs | Basics

Use proper tools:

• pruning sheers with curved blades do less damage to branch ends
• lopping shears for branches ¼ inch to one inch thick.
• Bow-saw for any branch over an inch thick.

Don’t spread disease while pruning:
Keep your tools clean. Disinfect your pruning tools between each cut by dipping them in a household disinfectant or 1/10 solution chlorine bleach.

When to prune…IMPORTANT

Most trees and shrubs should only be pruned when they are dormant.

Shrubs

When:

• Shrubs that flower in the spring should only be pruned after the flowers fade (Forsythia, Azalea,, Some Magnolias, Lilac, Bridal Wreath Spiraea, Fothergilla, Witchazel, Loropetalum, Ninebark, Mock Orange, Rhododendron, and Viburnum are just a few examples).
• Shrubs that flower later in the summer should only be pruned in early spring. (Crepe Myrtle, Hydrangea, Knock Out Roses, Rose of Sharon, Butterfly Bush, Smoke Bush, Spirea, Clethra, and Weigela are just a few examples of summer flowering shrubs) Be certain that any threat of frost has passed. Remember pruning stimulates new growth and a hard freeze can damage new growth.

What to Prune:

• Any dead or crossing branches, cutting those back to the base of the plant.
• Older shrubs need thinning. Remove the oldest branches cutting them right down to the ground. This will open the center of the plant to sunlight that will increase new branch growth and leaf production.
• Cut branches as needed to desired shape of your shrub.

Trees

When:

• Trim ornamental trees before they bloom, especially those that flower before June.
• Prune summer blooming trees in early spring before they get their new growth.
• Fruit trees should be pruned in late winter for shape and to expose the center of the tree to light. Young fruit trees should be pruned later than older fruit trees.

Avoid pruning in late autumn into early winter because pruning during this time can lead to winter injury. The pruning wounds may not have time to “harden off” or prepare for winter and the tree may develop a larger wound due to freezing.

Prune Young:
For best results, prune your trees while they are young. Cuts made at this time are much more effective and less disruptive to the tree than cuts made later.

What to Prune:

• Dead or dying twigs and branches.
• Sprouts growing near the base of the trunk.
• Crossing and rubbing branches.

It’s important not to cut a limb too short or leave it too long. Cut it as close to the "collar" of the branch as possible to avoid providing an entry point for disease and insects.

Never top off a tree or severely cut back major branches. Doing so will seriously damage the natural structure of the tree, and the resulting growths will look thin, disproportionate, and ugly.