PRUNING TIMING
Knowing when to prune a plant can make a big difference in its future growth, flowering, and shape. Here's a schedule of pruning time suggestions.
Woody Plants
Woody plants heal pruning cuts by producing calluses that grow over the wound. The plants response to this wounding occurs more rapidly just prior to the onset of new growth in the spring and just after the maximum leaf growth in June.
For vigorous growth, prune woody plants in late winter and early spring. Pruning too early in the winter makes the wood more susceptible to decay. Pruning too late in summer may produce new growth that won't have time to become adapted to cold weather.
Flowering Shrubs
Spring flowering shrubs (before May) such as Forsythia, Viburnum, lilacs, mock-orange, and spirea should be pruned as soon as possible after the flowers fade in spring.
Pruning too late in summer, fall, or winter will reduce flowering in the following spring. Don't prune these plants after the 4th of July.
Summer & fall flowering shrubs (may or later) such as Beautyberry, Butterfly Bush, Rose of Sharon, & Crepemyrtle, should be pruned before new growth appears in the spring.
Hydrangeas are the exception. The should be pruned immediately after blooming.
Fruit Trees
Prune Apple trees in mid summer to reduce water sprout growth.
Watch our pruning video
Woody Plants
Woody plants heal pruning cuts by producing calluses that grow over the wound. The plants response to this wounding occurs more rapidly just prior to the onset of new growth in the spring and just after the maximum leaf growth in June.
For vigorous growth, prune woody plants in late winter and early spring. Pruning too early in the winter makes the wood more susceptible to decay. Pruning too late in summer may produce new growth that won't have time to become adapted to cold weather.
Flowering Shrubs
Spring flowering shrubs (before May) such as Forsythia, Viburnum, lilacs, mock-orange, and spirea should be pruned as soon as possible after the flowers fade in spring.
Pruning too late in summer, fall, or winter will reduce flowering in the following spring. Don't prune these plants after the 4th of July.
Summer & fall flowering shrubs (may or later) such as Beautyberry, Butterfly Bush, Rose of Sharon, & Crepemyrtle, should be pruned before new growth appears in the spring.
Hydrangeas are the exception. The should be pruned immediately after blooming.
Fruit Trees
Prune Apple trees in mid summer to reduce water sprout growth.
Watch our pruning video
