Best Time of Year to Trim Shrubs: A How to Guide for Timing Your Trimming
Winter is Where It's at, Did You Know?
Have you ever trimmed your tees or shrubs during the fall because you thought, 'Well the leaves have fallen and those limbs are looking a little questionable…'
You’re not the only one who thinks this way, but winter is actually the best time to start trimming according to American Climbers When to Prune Trees & Shrubs in Massachusetts - American Climbers and Almanac.com Winter Pruning Guide for Trees and Shrubs | The Old Farmer's Almanac. Of course, there are always exceptions for specific plant types.
Have you ever trimmed your tees or shrubs during the fall because you thought, 'Well the leaves have fallen and those limbs are looking a little questionable…'
You’re not the only one who thinks this way, but winter is actually the best time to start trimming according to American Climbers When to Prune Trees & Shrubs in Massachusetts - American Climbers and Almanac.com Winter Pruning Guide for Trees and Shrubs | The Old Farmer's Almanac. Of course, there are always exceptions for specific plant types.
Okay, So Why Winter?
When a tree or shrub is dormant during the winter this is typically the best time to prune and trim due to the tree or shrub not expending much energy because trees and shrubs are a bit like animals and will hibernate in the Winter. This hibernation during the Winter allows for the tree and shrub to have more energy stores during the Spring and Summer months. Most fruit trees benefit greatly from being pruned in the Winter because this allows for better fruit production in the warmer seasons.
What are the Exceptions?
Early Spring-flowering plants and trees should be trimmed in Spring rather than the Winter. You’re wanting to prune these before the buds for next year are made, which will be in the middle of a growing season. This allows for you to be able to control the shape of the plant along with encouraging and maximize it’s future flowering. According to American Climbers, the Spring-floweing plants and trees that should be trimmed in Spring are: Dogwood, Forsythia, Witch hazel, Rhododendron, maple and flowering cherry (Malus, Prunus) and Lilac.
Should I Prune Anything in the Fall?
Unless there is a damaged branch or a branch that looks diseased, pruning in the fall is basically a major fopaux in the gardening world. Just, don’t do it okay!
This Seems Complicated, Tell me About Summer
There are a few reasons why you would need to prune during the Summer, but since it is growing season, if you’re new to pruning we recommend becoming more familiar with your plants and trees before taking your chances and pruning during the summer. However, pruning in the Summer does allow you to be able to see better what the plant is going to look like while you’re pruning. Some other reasons to prune would be because the plant or tree is just getting too big and is in the way or you have a diseased or damaged limb, which you absolutely want to remove as soon as possible.
Need Help with Trimming Your Hedges?
Don’t forget, regardless of what season you’re pruning in, more is definitely not better. You should only take what you need to take off the plant or tree and no extra. Keeping your shrubs and trees pruned, keeps them healthy and thriving. If this seems like too much to consider, give us a call today, we would love to help with any of your pruning needs!
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