Should You Prune in Winter?
Introduction
When the leaves fall and trees and shrubs go dormant, it’s a good time to consider pruning. However, not all plants should be pruned in winter. Read on to find out which trees and shrubs benefit from winter pruning and which ones don’t.
Pruning Deciduous Shrubs in Winter
Deciduous shrubs lose their leaves and go dormant in winter, but not all of them should be pruned during this time. The best time to prune depends on the plant’s growth habit, flowering time, and overall health.
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Healthy spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned back right after they bloom to encourage bud set for the following year. However, if they’re overgrown and need severe rejuvenation pruning, you can cut them back in winter.
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Overgrown shrubs will recover better from a hard prune while they’re dormant, making winter a good time for this type of pruning.
Cutting Back Plants in Winter
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Summer flowering shrubs should be pruned in late winter or early spring to give them time to set flowers for the following year.
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Deciduous shrubs that aren’t grown for flowers can also be trimmed back at this time.
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Evergreen shrubs, like juniper and yew, should never be trimmed back in fall because it makes them vulnerable to winter injury. Instead, prune them in late winter or early spring.
Pruning Trees in Winter
Most deciduous trees can be pruned in late winter or early spring. However, there are a few exceptions:
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Oaks should be pruned in February to avoid attracting sap-eating beetles that spread oak wilt disease.
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Spring-flowering trees, such as dogwood, magnolia, redbud, cherry, and pear, should not be pruned in winter because you’ll remove the buds that would otherwise bloom in spring. Instead, prune these trees immediately after they bloom.
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Evergreen trees, like conifers, generally require little pruning. However, you may need to remove the lowest branches to create access. Winter is a good time for this type of trimming.
Additional Tips for Winter Pruning
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Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.
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Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first.
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Prune branches back to a main stem or lateral branch.
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Don’t overprune. Remove only about one-third of the plant’s growth each year.
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Water your plants well after pruning to help them recover from the stress.
Conclusion
Pruning in winter can be a beneficial way to maintain the health and appearance of your trees and shrubs. However, it’s important to know which plants can be pruned in winter and which ones should be avoided. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plants thrive and look their best.
