Timing Matters

Do Prune at the Right Time: Winter pruning is best done when plants are fully dormant, typically after the coldest part of winter has passed but before new growth begins. Late winter is ideal for many trees and shrubs.

Don’t Prune During a Freeze: Pruning during extreme cold can damage plants, especially if cuts are made when temperatures are below freezing. Wait for a milder day to avoid this issue.

Tools and Hygiene

Do Use Sharp Tools: Invest in high-quality pruning shears, loppers, and saws, and make sure they’re sharp. Clean cuts heal faster and reduce the risk of disease. We can help you get set up with the exact tools for the job at our Garden Pharmacy Desk 

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tools: Dirty tools can spread diseases between plants. Clean and disinfect your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution after each use.

Cutting Techniques

Do Start with Dead or Diseased Wood: Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. This step prevents the spread of pests and diseases while improving the overall health of the plant.

Don’t Leave Stubs: Cutting a branch too far from a bud or branch junction leaves an unsightly stub that can become a site for pests and disease. Always prune back to a bud, branch, or trunk.

Do Make Clean, Angled Cuts: When cutting branches, make your cuts just above a bud or branch junction at a slight angle. This technique encourages healthy regrowth and prevents water from pooling on the cut surface.

Don’t Top Trees: Topping—cutting off the top of a tree—is a harmful practice that can lead to weak regrowth and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Instead, prune to shape the tree naturally.

Health and Growth

Do Follow the 3 D’s Rule: When pruning, prioritize branches that are Dead, Diseased, or Damaged. After addressing these, you can move on to shaping and thinning.

Don’t Overdo It: It’s tempting to give your plants a severe haircut, but over-pruning can stress them and reduce their vigor. Stick to removing no more than one-third of the plant’s overall growth.

Plant-Specific Advice

Do Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: Winter is an excellent time to prune deciduous plants like fruit trees, hydrangeas, and crepe myrtles. Without foliage, you can clearly see the structure of the plant.

Don’t Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs: Avoid pruning plants like azaleas, lilacs, and forsythias in winter. These shrubs form their flower buds in the previous growing season, and pruning now will remove those buds, resulting in fewer blooms.

Pruning can be intimidating, especially for larger trees and specialty plants. If you’re unsure about the best approach, consult our Green Team for the best advice 

With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you can confidently tackle your winter pruning tasks and set your garden up for success. To stay inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!