Last Updated: April 25, References.

When is the best time to prune shrubs? The timing of pruning is different depending on what type of shrub it is and when it flowers (except for evergreens). For example, to preserve the flowers, lilacs should be pruned after flowering in early spring. For instance, some varieties of Azaleas only bloom once and the best time to prune them would be as soon as possible after they bloom.

Pruning established trees Leave the pruning of large trees to qualified tree care professionals who have the proper equipment.

Ideally, there is only a six-week window of when pruning is appropriate. But some of the newer varieties bloom twice and can be pruned twice (also soon after blooming). Hydrangea shrubs also have variations. The Best Time to Prune Shrubs. When is the best time to prune shrubs? Prune with a reason in mind. Get out the saw and hand pruners only if you need to control the size, remove dead branches, and shape the plant or increase flowering and fruiting or improve bark color.

Jul 03, When to Prune Evergreen Shrubs. In general, prune needle-bearing evergreen shrubs in early spring, toward the end of dormancy and before the emergence of new growth.

Pruning the evergreens at this time allows plenty of time for new growth to emerge, as well as plenty of time for these new shoots to harden off before the following winter. Aug 05, For most shrubs, late winter or early spring is the best time to prune. The plants are still in full dormancy at this time but are just preparing to produce new growth. If your shrub is a spring-blooming variety, though, make sure to leave behind enough flower buds on the stems for a spring treeclearing.barted Reading Time: 6 mins.

Apr 20, DO Prune Flowering Shrubs at the Right Time of Year Spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilac and forsythia, develop buds that will display the following year during the Estimated Reading Time: 5 mins.