Linden viburnum (V. dilatatum)

Seven reasons why you prune:

• eliminate dead, diseased, insect riddled branches
• control plant height and spread
• shaping such as topiary, espaliered or pollardized trees
• increase or decrease the numbers of flowers and fruits
• rejuvenate an old shrub or tree
• remove low branches over walkways
• remove water sprouts and root suckers

Flowering shrubs bloom from late February thru May. Pruning them either before or while they are blooming makes little sense. Prune them within one month after each has finished flowering. Examples of spring flowering shrubs include: forsythias, spireas, viburnums, honeysuckles, mockoranges, deutzias, lilacs and most azaleas.

Shrub roses like the popular Knockout™  and Easy Eleagance™ series are cut back when forsythia is in full bloom. By this time, the harsh winter temps are over and rapid re-growth will follow after roses have been pruned.

Hydrangea shrubs are a mixed bag. Oakleaf hydrangeas are pruned immediately after flowering in late spring, while summer flowering PG and AG hydrangeas are pruned now in late winter and early spring.

Use only sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts. Cleaning, lubricating and sharpening saws, shears and loppers are a time-saving winter chore. Well cared for pruning tools provide years of dependable cuts.