Pruning helps to maintain the health and appearance, control the size and encourage flowering, of a tree or shrub.
When to Prune: Most trees and shrubs should be pruned in early spring before they leaf out, except those that flower in the spring; these should be pruned after they flower (Including: Lilacs, Forsythia, Weigela, and Viburnums).
Trees: Newly planted trees should not be pruned until they are established in about 2-3 years. Prune only if branches are broken or diseased. Make sure pruners are sterilized before pruning, and between each plant to avoid spreading of disease.
The 3-Step Pruning Method: On large limbs, undercut halfway through the branch, 12-18” from the trunk of the tree, this will prevent any tearing. The second cut should be made farther away from the trunk. Make a cut from the top down, all the way through the branch (remove branch); the final cut should be made at the branch collar, not flush with the tree. This will allow the wound to heal sooner.
Rejuvenation Pruning: This type of pruning is done for shrubs that are overgrown or readily sucker from the base. (Including: Annabelle Hydrangeas, Potentilla, Spirea’s). Cut back the entire shrub about 10-12” from the ground in early spring, before the plant leafs out.
Renewal Pruning Shrubs: Renewal pruning removes older branches and suckers that come up from the base of the plant. This will give your plant an overall nice shape and growing habit. Remove the largest and oldest canes to the base with a loppers or pruning saw depending on the size of the branch. Remove only about 1/3 of the branches.
