by Lou Cerami

Reason for Pruning

         
• Remove dead branches          
• Insect infection, weather damage, or disease          
• To encourage flower and fruit development          
• Maintain desired tree form          
• Improve the tree/plant appearance          
• Keep evergreens well proportioned          

When to Prune

» Although the late dormant season is BEST for most pruning because the fresh wounds are exposed before spring growth, there are some trees and shrubs that bloom early and should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming:

              
• Azalea               
• Flowering Cherry/Plum               
• Lilac               
• Forsynthia               
• Magnolia               
• Rhodededrium
  

» The following trees and shrubs should be pruned before growth begins:

              
• Barberry               
• Burning Bush               
• Dogwood               
• Honeysuckle Purple leaf Sand Cherry
  

» Japanese maples should be pruned in late fall or winter while they are dormant, removing any dead or damaged branches. They are easily thinned and sculpted to accentuate their graceful shape. You may also prune to control the size, or create the shape that suits your landscaping needs.

Pruning Evergreens

»Arborvitae, Junipers, Yews and Hemlocks continue to grow throughout the season and can be pruned anytime through the middle of the summer

» Evergreens can be pruned in the early spring (March-May) or in early summer after any new growth has hardened. Pines probably have the most particular pruning requirements. In the early spring they produce new growth known as "candles." These candles can be pruned when they have elongated but before the needles fully emerge. North Dakota State University NDSU Extension Service