What time of year is best to prune bushes?

Question

Is it better to do this in the spring, or the fall?

Answer 1

The tough part of your question is the word best. There are several times during the year when you can prune shrubs and trees, but the challenge is figuring out which time is best. I would vote for right now in the spring before the bushes leaf out. There are three big advantages to pruning in the spring. First, you can see the shape of your bush better without any leaves on it. So while you are pruning it will be easy to maintain a shape that is pleasing. Second, if the bush has had any winter kill, you can prune out these dead branches while you give the plant it's haircut. This is the biggest advantage to pruning in the spring versus the fall. Third, since the plant has not yet leafed out, after you prune the plant will send all it's energy to the branches you left in place. The result will be in a few weeks you will have a plant that is beautiful and healthy. Remember the fun thing about pruning is even if you screw it up---you'll get another chance to try next year!

Answer 2

Prune after bloom period. Fall is preferred for non blooming trees. If you prune now you will be effectively removing new growth, some shrubs/trees only bloom on new growth. Remove dead wood any time for aesthetic reasons.

Answer 3

Fall.

Answer 4

In the fall, so they lay dormant all winter and are ready to bloom in the spring.

Answer 5

before the sap rises. but you can actually do it any time.