What time of year should you trim trees and bushes?

As a rule of thumb, prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees immediately after the flowers fade. Prune summer-blooming trees and shrubs in winter or early spring, before new growth emerges. In regions that have harsh winters, late-summer pruning encourages new growth that might not harden before the cold settles in.

What month do you prune trees?

Generally, the best time to prune or trim trees and shrubs is during the winter months. From November through March, most trees are dormant which makes it the ideal time for the following reasons: Trees are less susceptible to insects or disease.

When should trees not be pruned?

In general, avoid pruning landscape trees in mid- to late summer (July, August and September), unless it’s very light, because you can induce an off-season growth spurt, which can leave some species, such as ficus, vulnerable to freeze damage.

What is the best time of year to trim your trees?

Generally, the best time of year to trim trees and shrubs is late winter; after the coldest freeze of the season has passed, but before the spring thaw.

When is the best time to prune a tree?

In regions with distinct seasons, tree pruning is best done during the winter. To make a finer distinction, in regions with freezing winter temperatures, the optimal time to prune is in late January to mid February, when most of winter is past but before the spring flush of growth.

When to trim back shrubs?

Cut back shrubs grown primarily for their foliage, such as barberry and burning bush, almost anytime except in late autumn. New growth that starts after late-season pruning won’t harden off properly before winter. If you want to do major pruning, it’s best to cut the shrub back when it is dormant in winter.

When to prune bushes and shrubs?

The best time to prune most bushes and shrubs is in late winter or early spring—usually during the later half of March or the beginning of April—before new growths have formed after the dormant period. Avoid cutting off new shoots, buds, and blooms.