· when trees and shrubs go dormant, they enter a period of rest, making it the perfect time for a major pruning session. These set buds last year. Right before blooming. Avoid heavy pruning in winter; · what to avoid spring-flowering shrubs (lilac, forsythia): · late spring, early fall, or winter (when the hedges are fully dormant) are the best times for pruning hedges. If unsure, wait until early spring when growth resumes. Pruning now means losing blooms. Flower buds form weeks or months before trees or shrubs bloom. With no active growth, cuts heal faster, sap loss is minimal, and the risk of disease or pest invasion is greatly reduced. When pruning , be sure to remove old flowers and cut back to healthy, outward-facing buds. Dont prune hedges during very hot, dry weather, and prune well before your first frost date. · wait to prune until the plant foliage is completely dry. Tender or damaged plants : · in late winter and early spring, prune shrubs that form their flower buds on “new” wood (i. e. , growth that will occur in the coming spring). Wait until after flowering. Why shouldnt you prune in summer? · avoid heavy pruning during very dry or hot weather, and aim for cooler weather in early spring or late autumn. · for non-flowering shrubs , trimming can occur at any time during summer to help shape or size them, but regrowth may be slow due to dry conditions. They can dry out and suffer winter burn. Before pruning shrubs in hot, dry summer weather, take care to prepare them by watering beforehand to help them recover. Pruning shrubs helps them stay healthy and vibrant. Trimming plants before they bloom cuts away flower buds and, in most cases, cancels flowering for the growing season.
