Pruning Shrub Hedges
Before pruning any shrubs, you need to have a definite goal in mind.
Are you pruning to control growth, enhance the shape of the plants, clean
out damaged branches, or rejuvenate aging plant material. Once you have
a clear goal in mind, determine the best time of year to prune that specific
type of shrub.
First, pruning to remove dead or damaged branches can be done whenever it is discovered, since leaving it might lead to other problems.
If it is an evergreen shrub, it should be pruned as soon as the new growth has fully emerged, but before it hardens off. Typically, that will be in early June in our area. Some varieties of evergreens such as yews and arborvitae, will tolerate a second pruning in mid to late Summer, if it is necessary. All other evergreens, including spruce, pines, and junipers, should only be pruned once a season.
If it is a deciduous shrub that does not bloom, it should be pruned in very early Spring, before the plant expends energy producing new leaves.
If it is a deciduous shrub that blooms early in the season, such as lilac, azalea, rhododendron, and bridalwreath spirea, it should be pruned right after it finishes blooming. Pruning before it blooms or later in the season won't hurt the shrub, but it will reduce the blooming for the following season.
If it is a deciduous shrub that blooms in Summer, such as most types of spirea, weigela, mockorange, and many viburnums, it should be pruned in very early Spring.
A few varieties of shrubs used as hedging will benefit from a method of pruning that will rejuvenate the shrub. This is true of many types of lilac and dogwood.
If you are not sure when or how your shrubs should be pruned, please come to a Bachman's Garden Center, and we will be glad to help you.
For further information, read online our care sheet on "Pruning Basics", "Quick Pruning Tips", "Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs", and "Pruning Evergreens".
Revised: 03/10/98
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