TRIMMING (pruning) YOUR PLANTS
General guidelines and dates for plants used in landscapes for our local area
SHADE TREES – The new cultivars of trees sold at Housel’s Nursery need little or no trimming. They are hybrid-grafted trees that are selected for their good growth patterns. As a tree matures, you may trim the lower branches so you can walk or mow under the tree. Cut the branch a distance out from the main trunk to take the weight off before making your clean cut close to the trunk. Try to cut just outside the collar. The collar is the small raised area very close to the main trunk. Do not leave a stump or use tree paint. Prune in the winter or July.
ORNAMENTAL TREES – These need little or no trimming if planted in the correct area as recommended by our landscape consultants. As with shade trees, the lower branches or ground level suckers may be trimmed. Some owners like to trim the top for a more formal look. You should understand that when you prune for a formal look this will lead to more long term trimming because pruning stimulates growth to occur rather than causing it to slow down. If you decide to prune, it should be done in early July.
JUNIPERS, YEWS, AND ARBORVITAES – Let them grow in the spring and trim off 1/3 or more of the new growth July 15 to Aug. 15. A secondary recommended time is in the late winter.
SPRUCE, HEMLOCK AND FIR – These plants need little or no trimming. A more formal look can be achieved by trimming off 1/3 or more of the new growth July 15 to Aug. 15. A secondary recommended time is in the late winter.
PINES – These plants need little or no trimming. A more formal look can be achieved by trimming off 1/3 or more of the new growth June 1 to June 20. Sculptured pines (bonsai pines) need more attention. New growth needs to be trimmed to desired shape. This should be done June 1 to June 20. Every two or three years they need reconstructive trimming in April.
SPRING FLOWERING SHRUBS - Let them grow in the spring and trim off 1/3 or more of the new growth July 15 to Aug. 15. A secondary recommended time is in the late winter. Removing the oldest branches at ground level can rejuvenate older flowering shrubs such as lilac, forsythia, and viburnum.
LATE SUMMER FLOWERING SHRUBS like Hydrangea and Rose of Sharon may be trimmed in April.
SUMMER FLOWERING SHRUBS like Spirea and Potentilla should have most of the new spring growth trimmed off in mid July. Trim off most of the late summer and fall growth in the winter.
AZALEA, MAGNOLIA, RHODODENDRONS, AND PIERIS – These spring-flowering shrubs do not require as much pruning as deciduous shrubs that are listed above. These spring-flowering evergreens produce flower buds on last year’s growth so flowers will be sacrificed if pruned before they bloom. If you need to prune, it should be at the end of May.
HOLLY, BOXWOOD, AND EUONYMUS – You should trim 1/3 or more of the spring growth off July 15 to Aug. 15. A secondary recommended time is in the late winter.