Seasonal Pruning Guide – Common Flowering Trees and Shrubs

Contributed by Ann Todt, Dirt Girl Landscaping

When you can’t wait to get started in the spring garden, a good task to undertake is pruning. Most trees and shrubs benefit from annual pruning. It keeps them in shape, gets rid of dead and diseased wood, and encourages new growth.

But not all trees and shrubs should be pruned at the same time, particularly some of the flowering ones. Also, using proper pruning techniques, tools and processes is equally as important as when to prune. When in doubt, consult a professional before risking your plant investment.

There are no hard and fast rules as to when, but here is a list of commonly grown spring flowering trees and shrubs and the best time to prune them.

Trees and Shrubs to Prune in Early Spring,
While Dormant


• Butterfly Bush
• Burning Bush
• Flowering Dogwood
• Flowering Plum
• Honeysuckle
• Hydrangea, Peegee
• (Hydrangea paniculata ‘ Grandiflora’)
• Ninebark
• Potentilla
• Redbud
• Spirea (except Bridal Wreath)
• Sumac
• Smokebush
• Wisteria

Trees and Shrubs to Prune in Late Spring/Summer,
After Bloom


• Azalea
• Beautybush
• Bridal Wreath Spirea
• Flowering Crabapple
• Forsythia
• Hawthorn
• Hydrangea, Bigleaf
• Lilac
• Magnolia
• Mockorange
• Mountain Laurel
• Rhododendron
• Serviceberry
• Slender Deutzia
• Weigela

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