Ask the Expert: Now Spring Is Here, What Can I Prune?

Happy Vernal Equinox! Although we "spring ahead" early these days, spring officially arrived at 7:02 a.m. today.

For some people, the first signs of spring are the arrival of the robins or seeing the groundhog emerge from its burrow in the backyard. 

In Niantic, the signs that spring was on its way appeared last week, when Smith Acres opened for the season and lines began to form again at Dairy Queen and Frosty Treat. 

For gardeners, the sprouting of snowdrops, crocuses and the appearance of daffodils are the first signs of life. Eager to get busy in the backyard, the first question Smith Acres customers had were about pruning. Specifically: "What can I prune now and how?"  

Kirsten Smith was ready with the answer: "Cut anything that's dead from last year. Don't cut spring-blooming shrubs or new growth. Fall-blooming shrubs can be pruned now."

The latter includes butterfly bushes, daylilies, knockout roses, paniculata hydrangea, and rose of sharon. Smith Acres will be holding a pruning seminar in the spring. Check the garden center's facebook page to find out when. 

Got questions about gardening? Submit them in the comments and we'll find local experts to answer them!