Ask the Agent – Pruning

By Bud Cottrill, KC Ext. Agent

When is the best time to prune the plants in my yard or garden?

Pruning is done for several reasons – aesthetics, growth control, flower or fruit production, insect and disease control – and is done at certain times of the year to achieve these desired results. The timing depends primarily on the types of plants that you grow.  Though there are exceptions to every rule, the general recommendations are as follows.

Prune spring flowering shrubs immediately after flowering.  Examples are forsythia, lilac, azalea, rhododendron, spirea, mockorange, fringetree, and pyracantha.  Prune summer flowering shrubs in late winter or early spring prior to bud break.  Examples are hibiscus, abelia, heather, viburnum, and hydrangea.  Deciduous trees should be pruned during the dormant season, except maples and birches, which should pruned in late fall or early winter to avoid excessive sap “bleeding” that is unsightly and could lead to disease infection.  Evergreen shrubs and trees can generally be pruned any time of the year but some species have more optimum times than others do.  Remember that dormant pruning is usually recommended after February to avoid winter damage to woody material, but prior to early growth in the spring. Always use good quality, sharp pruning tools and make proper pruning cuts.  For more detailed information, call the Extension Office for a copy of Circular 235 – Pruning Ornamental Plants.