FAQs
The rule on fall pruning is, generally speaking, don't prune in fall. But there are a few trimming tasks you can take on with confidence, provided you approach the job with self-control and a plan. The timing window for these pruning chores is from Thanksgiving to the New Year.
Should shrubs be trimmed in the fall? ›
With fall garden cleanup in full swing, maybe it's all the raking and mulching that has people going bananas. But before you start hacking at your trees and bushes, take a tip from a seasoned gardening expert. "The rules of fall pruning are simple: Prune nothing in the fall!
What month is best to trim shrubs? ›
Summer-Blooming Trees and Shrubs
Prune them in winter while they're dormant, or in early spring just before they push out their new growth. You can even cut them all the way to the ground in late winter, and they'll still bloom that same summer.
Are you supposed to cut bushes down before winter? ›
Winter is the best time to prune most deciduous trees and shrubs, but not all.
When not to prune? ›
During excessively cold temperatures
It's minor, but it could impact the look of a plant or create a haven for insects and diseases later. Don't prune when the temperature falls below 25°F.
Is October too late to trim shrubs? ›
After “how?", the second most-asked question we get about pruning is “when?” (Or, "Can I prune this now?") The rule of thumb is to prune immediately after bloom for flowering shrubs, in late winter or early spring for non-blooming shrubs (particularly for heavy pruning), and not after mid-August for any shrubs.
Is there a wrong time to trim shrubs? ›
The best time to trim non-flowering deciduous bushes is in late winter or early spring. Avoid trimming deciduous bushes in late summer or fall. You could encourage new growth that can't handle the upcoming frost. If it dies or is damaged, you'll have to cut these new branches off.
What not to do when trimming bushes? ›
- Don't cut all the leaves off any branch you want to keep.
- Don't cut more than 1/3 of the branches and leaves off at a time.
- Water well the day before you trim to help with shock.
- Don't overwater or fertilize the shrub until after it has put up some new growth and that has hardened off.
Trimming should be done immediately after flowering stops in summer, but no later than August 1. Do not prune in fall, winter, or spring or you could be cutting off new buds. Tip-pruning the branches as leaves emerge in spring can encourage multiple, smaller flower heads rather than fewer larger flower heads.
When should I trim my hedge and shrubs? ›
Late spring, early fall, or winter (when the hedges are fully dormant) are the best times for pruning hedges. Don't prune hedges during very hot, dry weather, and prune well before your first frost date. Best time to trim hedges woule be on a cludu day to avoid excessive leaf burn.
Best Time for Shrub Pruning
Trim shrubs in the summer as soon as possible after flowering to favor as many of next year's flower buds as possible. The later into the summer pruning is done, the more gentle it should be to preserve as many flower buds as possible.
How do I prepare my bushes for winter? ›
Mulch – apply a 2-3” thick layer of shredded bark mulch to the entire root zone of the plant. This offers significant benefits year-round, but is especially welcome in winter for its insulating properties and its ability to conserve moisture even in hard, frozen soil. Water – don't let your plants go to bed thirsty.
Should I cut all my plants back for winter? ›
It's important to cut back foliage in the fall to protect flowering plants from disease and give them a clean start for regrowth as winter starts to turn into spring. However, there are some plants you can keep around through the winter since they benefit wildlife and still offer visual interest for your home.
Is it okay to trim bushes in the fall? ›
The rule on fall pruning is, generally speaking, don't prune in fall. But there are a few trimming tasks you can take on with confidence, provided you approach the job with self-control and a plan. The timing window for these pruning chores is from Thanksgiving to the New Year.
Is it better to prune in fall or spring? ›
Major fall pruning should be done after the tree is completely dormant, so you do not stimulate any new growth that could be prone to winter injury. Some trees will bleed sap if they are pruned in the spring. This sap loss is not usually harmful, but it may invite insect or disease problems.
Should all plants be cut back in the fall? ›
Technically, very few plants MUST be cut down in the fall. And never rush to cut things down; hold off until after several hard frosts. Even if the flowers or leaves are dead, the roots reclaim energy from the dying plant for healthy growth in the spring.
Does trimming shrubs make them grow faster? ›
Pruning does not stop growth; it actually stimulates new growth. Pruning and thinning shrubs reduces disease pressure by increasing air circulation and allowing foliage to dry faster.
