Did you know that the health and vitality of your trees, shrubs, and perennial plants are closely tied to proper pruning practices? Regular pruning not only encourages robust growth and maintains an appealing shape but also helps prevent pest infestations and diseases. If you're unsure how to care for your trees and shrubs or need expert advice, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way!
Why Prune Shrubs and Trees?
There are countless reasons to prioritize the proper pruning of the trees and shrubs in your landscaping. Below are some of the most significant benefits and considerations for keeping your plants healthy and well-maintained.
Prune to Encourage New Growth
Pruning trees and shrubs promotes new growth by encouraging the plant to allocate resources toward developing fresh shoots and branches. This is why fall is not an ideal time for pruning, as it can signal plants to grow at a time when they should focus on conserving energy and entering dormancy. Additionally, pruning plays a vital role in enhancing the health and productivity of flowering shrubs and fruit trees, boosting their capacity for blooming and fruit production in the appropriate seasons.
Pruning to Maintain Desired Shape
Pruning is commonly used to shape trees and shrubs to achieve a desired aesthetic or structural form. While all trees and shrubs can be pruned for shaping, some varieties tolerate more significant shaping than others. It’s essential to understand the specific type of plant you are working with to ensure the pruning method aligns with its ability to recover and thrive.
Pruning Can Reduce Likelihood of Pests and Disease
Pests and diseases are more likely to affect trees and shrubs when airflow is restricted or dead branches create a haven for unwelcome organisms. Branches that grow inward should be removed to promote outward growth and maintain good air circulation, reducing the risk of issues caused by overcrowding. Additionally, dead or broken branches with splintered ends should be pruned to prevent pests or diseases from establishing themselves and causing further harm to the plant.
Pruning to Reduce Safety Risks
Leaving dead branches on your tree or shrub can impede the growth of new, healthy branches. Additionally, these branches may pose safety hazards, such as falling and injuring people, damaging property, or harming nearby landscaping features. For these reasons, removing dead branches is an essential pruning practice that maintains both the health and safety of your trees, shrubs, and surrounding areas.
When To Prune Trees
As mentioned earlier, fall is not ideal for pruning trees because it encourages growth just as they should be preparing for dormancy. The best time to prune trees is in the spring. For fruit trees, early spring is ideal, while species like maples, birches, or aspens are better pruned from late spring to early summer. Generally, pruning is most effective before new growth begins or buds start to form, as this prevents the tree from wasting energy on growth that will later be removed. Fall pruning should only be done to remove dead or diseased branches that might break during snow or wind, potentially causing further damage to the tree or its surroundings.
Pruning Schedule for Trees:
Oak Trees: Late Winter/Early Spring
Apple Trees: Late Winter/Early Spring
Pines & Spruce Trees: Late Winter/Early Spring
Honey Locust Trees: Late Winter/Early Spring
Maple Trees: Late Spring/Early Summer
Birch & Aspen Trees: Late Spring/Early Summer
Juniper & Arborvitae: Late Spring/Early Summer
When To Prune Shrubs
The best time to prune most shrubs is early in the growing season. Shrubs like roses and hydrangeas should be trimmed back in early spring before new growth emerges to encourage healthy development. (For detailed tips on pruning roses, see our blog, How to Grow and Care for Roses.) However, not all shrubs have the same requirements. For instance, lilacs set their buds for the next season shortly after blooming, so pruning them in early spring or fall can result in cutting off the following year's blooms. To avoid this, prune lilacs in late spring or early summer immediately after they have finished flowering. This highlights the importance of understanding the specific needs of each plant. If you're unsure about how to care for your shrubs, reach out to us. We are here to help!
Pruning Schedule for Shrubs and Perennials:
Juniper & Arborvitae: Late Spring/Early Summer
Roses: Early Spring
Hydrangea: Early Spring
Lilac Buses: Early Summer
Ornamental Grasses: Late Winter/Early Spring
How To Prune Trees
The specifics of pruning depend on the type of tree, but the general rule is to have a clear purpose for removing a branch. It is never recommended to start hacking away at a tree without a specific plan or goal. Good reasons include addressing damaged branches, removing crossing or rubbing branches, increasing clearance, thinning the tree’s interior, or improving its shape or structure. Avoid removing branches without a defined goal, as unnecessary pruning can stress the tree.
When making cuts, aim just outside the branch collar—the slightly raised or wrinkled area at the base where the branch connects to a larger branch or the trunk. This placement allows the tree to heal properly, as cutting too close or too far away can interfere with its natural recovery process.
It’s important to never remove more than one-third of the live portions of a tree during pruning. Exceeding this limit can stress the tree, potentially causing it to go into shock or even die. While it can sometimes be difficult to gauge, it’s safest to err on the side of caution and prune conservatively if you're unsure about how much living tissue you're removing. This will help ensure the health and longevity of your tree.
When considering pruning a newly planted tree, it’s best to wait until the tree has become established, which typically takes 1-2 years. Pruning too early can stress the tree, causing it to divert energy toward limb and foliage growth instead of towards strengthening its root system. During the early stages of growth, it's recommended to only remove dead or damaged branches, crossing limbs, or those interfering with the main stem. This ensures the tree focuses on root development, supporting future, healthier growth.
Suckers and waterspouts are generally considered a drain on a tree's resources. They don't enhance the tree's appearance or structural integrity, and instead, divert valuable energy away from more important growth. Suckers typically emerge from the base of the tree, while waterspouts are thin, twig-like growths that appear along the trunk. It's best to remove them promptly, as they are easiest to manage when young and green. By eliminating these growths early, you help the tree focus its energy on developing a strong and healthy structure.
It's essential to use sharp, clean tools when pruning any of your trees, shrubs, or perennial plants. Not only does this make the process easier and safer for you, but it also helps protect the health of your tree. Rough or jagged cuts can prevent proper healing, creating openings for pests and diseases to enter. This is why it’s especially important to trim broken branches promptly, as their splintered edges can provide a perfect entry point for harmful pests.
Steps for Pruning Trees:
First, start by removing dead, dying, broken, or diseased branches and stems.
Next, remove waterspouts and suckers.
Then, inspect your tree for any crossing or inward-growing branches and remove these.
Lastly, prune for structure and visual appeal, keeping in mind not to remove more than 1/3 of the living parts of the tree. When in doubt, leave it for next season.
How To Prune Shrubs
Pruning shrubs follows similar principles to pruning trees. Newly planted shrubs should be left to establish their root system before any shaping or pruning is done—only dead or damaged branches should be removed initially. Once the shrub is established, it is important to avoid removing more than one-third of its living tissue to prevent shock, as this can severely deplete the plant's energy reserves. For good air circulation, ensure that the base of the shrub is clear of mulch and trim off any suckers or branches growing inward. This promotes healthy airflow and discourages pests and disease. Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to minimize damage and prevent introducing pests and diseases to the shrub.
Steps for Pruning Shrubs:
First, remove any dead, dying, broken, or diseased parts of the shrub.
Next, remove any suckers that may be shooting up from the base of the shrub.
Then, inspect your shrub for any crossing or inward-growing branches and remove these.
Lastly, prune for structure and visual appeal. Remember not to remove more than 1/3 of the living parts of the shrub.
How To Prune Trees and Shrubs
If you have any questions about pruning shrubs or trees, feel free to reach out. Our best advice is to do your research and familiarize yourself with the specific types of plants in your landscaping. If you're unsure about identifying a particular tree, shrub, or perennial, check out our Plant Finder or contact us for assistance. We can help you identify plants and provide tailored guidance on how to care for them. We hope this information has been helpful, and we're excited to support you in keeping your landscape healthy and beautiful!