Pruning Trees & Shrubs

Each plant variety has different pruning needs. If you do not find information about your plant here please call before clipping!

The timing of the tree pruning is quite simple, the best time is late winter to early spring, or fall once all the growth is finished. Late September till freeze-up is good. Maples and Birches are exceptions to spring pruning as they will “bleed” sap, causing some stress; they should be pruned in the fall.

Shrubs grown primarily for foliage can be pruned almost all year round. These varieties include Dogwoods, Amur Maples, Sumacs, Alpine Currants, Cotoneasters, Ninebarks, and Barberries.

Flowering shrubs are a bit trickier. Some shrubs bloom off of fresh growth and some off of last year’s growth. Fresh growth bloomers can be pruned first thing in spring. These varieties include Hydrangeas, Potentillas, Dwarf Pink Spireas, False Spireas, Honey Suckles, and Roses.

Plants blooming off of last year’s growth should be pruned immediately after they have finished flowering. This is generally mid to late June. If they are pruned at other times during the year, you will cut off the new flower buds. These varieties include Lilacs, Tall White Spireas, and Mock Oranges.

It is best for evergreen trees and shrubs to be pruned in early spring so that their fresh growth can cover the clipped look.