Late winter pruning

Late winter is a good time to prune many woody plants. Proper pruning rejuvenates plants and maintains health, makes blooms more abundant, controls size, and directs growth. Here are some tips on what to prune, what not to prune, and how to prune properly.

· Prune summer flowering deciduous shrubs and trees in late winter. Pruning these while dormant stresses the plant less, and it’s easier to see the shape when the leaves are off.

· Don’t prune spring flowering woody plants until after they flower, since pruning now will remove the buds that set the previous fall.

· Most evergreens typically don’t need regular pruning but are pruned to correct problems.

· Pruning tools should always be cleaned and sharpened before use.

· Start by pruning off dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Then remove any branches that cross or rub against other branches.

· Identify the strong, well-balanced branches to keep, keeping in mind the natural growth habit of the species. You can remove up to a third of the plant’s bulk around this structure of branches.

· Most shrubs and trees will benefit from thinning types of pruning cuts – that is, removing branches at their point of origin or attachment. Pruning sealer is not recommended.

This article is a good overview of how to prune, kinds of pruning cuts, how to take growth habits into account, and managing pruning challenges, like an overgrown shrub that has been neglected. LINK: https://mgnv.org/pruning/when-why-and-how-to-prune-shrubs/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

· MGNV’s Master Gardener Virtual Classroom has archived video presentations on pruning

· Winter pruning video

· MGNV Pruning Resources is a round-up of sources and information.

· VCE deciduous tree pruning calendar

· MGNV chart on native woody shrubs that can be pruned in winter or early spring

· Pruning evergreens