By following seasonal pruning, your plants will stay healthy, productive, and beautifully shaped year-round!
Spring (After Blooming)
Specific shrubs and plants pruning recommendations click here.
- Spring-flowering shrubs (e.g., lilacs, forsythia, azaleas) – Prune after flowers fade to avoid cutting next year’s buds.
- Dead or damaged branches – Remove winter-damaged wood to promote healthy growth.
- Early bloomers – Trim lightly to maintain shape.
- Shrubs that bloom on new wood (e.g., butterfly bush, roses, hydrangeas) – Prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Hedges & evergreens – Lightly shape as needed, avoiding heavy pruning in extreme heat.
- Fruit trees (like peaches & cherries) – Prune lightly to improve air circulation.
- Avoid major pruning, as cuts may not heal before winter.
- Remove dead or diseased wood to prevent pests and disease.
- Shape perennials & lightly cut back shrubs (but leave ornamental grasses & seed heads for winter interest).
- Deciduous trees & shrubs (e.g., oaks, maples, apples) – Prune while dormant to promote strong spring growth.
- Roses & summer-blooming hydrangeas – Cut back before new growth emerges.
- Avoid pruning spring bloomers, as buds are already set for the next season.
Specific shrubs and plants pruning recommendations click here.