When to Shrub Prune
As a general rule of thumb, most trees and shrubs can be pruned in late winter or early spring. This is the time that most trees are dormant. While dormant they’ll be less stressed by heavy pruning. Tree or shrub type does have some effect on when the best time is to do heavy pruning. Pruning during the right season for certain trees helps ensure the best production of flowers and foliage. Deadheading is always a good idea and can be done anytime.
- Late winter and early spring is the best time to trim back summer flowering shrubs.
- Late spring and early summer are the best times to prune spring-flowering bushes, just after the flowers have all died out.
- Mid-summer is the best time to prune bleeding trees or those with a very heavy sap flow.
Some shrub pruning can be done at any time of the year if it will help the plants’ health. Say a big storm comes through and breaks several branches off of your gorgeous crape myrtle. In this situation, the season isn’t as important as removing the broken branches. The plant will most likely recover faster if the broken branches aren’t taking nutrients. Leaving a large wound for pests and disease, or affecting the overall growth of the plant.
When is Shrub Pruning Always Ok?
It is ok to prune anytime if there are:
- Dead branches.
- Damaged branches.
- Weak branches.
- Branches that are crossing, or touching the house.
Types of Pruning
- Regular maintenance helps keep a tree or shrub from outgrowing its surroundings.
- Renewal pruning is consists of removing the oldest branches and cutting all the branches back to the same length.
- Pinching is removing the new green growth at the tips of branches back to the woody stalk.
How to Prune Shrubs
When shrub pruning it is important to consider water, pest, and disease. This is why most major pruning is best done when the tree is dormant. Or just after flowering.
- All cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from collecting on the cut. Any water that the cut collects is an open invitation for mold and disease.
- Cuts should be made ¼ inch above the bud that you want to remain on the tree.
- Remember that the new shoots will grow in the direction the bud is facing.
- It is also important to keep all cuts parallel to the parent branch or main stalk of the tree.
- When dealing with diseased plants always remember to clean your tools so you prevent spreading them to other plants.
If you are ever in doubt about when to trim or prune you can always ask a local landscape professional. Or consult your local extension office. To get the most out of your plants’ prune when needed. Not all at once when things get out of hand.
If your shrubs have gotten out of hand and you live in Northwest Arkansas give 2 J’s & Sons a call. We can tidy them up and remove the extra weight.