Pruning Tips

SPRUCE, PINE, FIR - Not necessary, but for maximum fullness, when the tree is young trim the tips, after the new growth in late spring has hardened off and matured. Mid June is a good time for this.

EVERGREENS - Arborvitae, Boxwood, Cypress, Euonymus, Hemlock, Holly, Yews, Junipers, can be pruned most anytime. Lightly trim tips after the new growth in late spring has hardened off and matured. Time frame will vary with each plant. Usually once a year or less is sufficient, but more trimming may suit your taste.

RHODODENDRONS AZALEAS AND ANDROMEDA - These plants should be trimmed right after blooming. In NH it varies with each plant but I always try to prune by Fathers Day. These plants set buds in the summer for next years blooms. Trimming them too late will result in less - or no flowers for the following spring.

MOUNTAIN LAUREL - Mt. Laurel is best trimmed also right after blooming time. This is usually done sometime in mid to late June or early July as soon as they stop flowering.

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS - Non flowering Barberry, Burning Bush, Privet and others can be pruned at anytime.

Late Flowering Dogwood (shrub type) Potentilla, Spirea, and Rose of Sharon should be done in fall after flowering or very early spring.

Early Flowering Lilac, Forsythia, Weigela, and Viburnum require pruning immediately after blooming stops, the time will vary with each variety.

Wisteria Tree or Vine, prune in late fall (this may also increase flowering in the spring).

Hydrangea - When to prune depends on the type - for most, you would prune in early spring when the new leaves appear on last year’s wood. Do not cut hydrangeas down to the ground. *If you are unsure of your hydrangea type and have had problems with it not flowering do not prune every branch - prune 1/3 of the branches leaving some un-pruned. Some Hydrangea only flower on previous years growth if protected from winter injury.  It is important to know what variety you have, if you are unsure, stop in and we can help you determine.

FLOWERING TREES - Flowering trees are generally best trimmed soon after they have flowered, this includes Dogwoods, Lilacs and Magnolias, Ornamental Pear & Plum. Crabapples can be trimmed most anytime, although after flowering is still best.

SHADE TREES - Shade trees can be pruned most anytime except in the extreme heat of summer.