What can I prune now (‘now’ being late winter – late January and February)?
Dormant plants (ie, it has dropped its leaves, is not producing new growth, or does not bloom in the winter) are OK to prune now (see some exceptions below). Commonly pruned plants this time of year are Crape Myrtles, Roses, Loropetalum, Boxwoods, most any tree (deciduous or evergreen), Japanese Maples, Gardenias and Hollies.
How do I prune?
Ok, let’s be honest; there are a ton of ways to address this one. Not only does each person hold their own beliefs on pruning even at all, the aesthetics of the task are truly individual. However, there are some basic guidelines to follow:
- On trees and large shrubs, make sure to make your cuts as close to the main branch or lead as possible. This gives the plant a better chance of healing the damage.
- On large leaved evergreen shrubs like Hollies and Camellias, avoid using shears. The damaged leaves won’t drop and consequently devalue the beauty of the plant. Hand pruning is best for a more natural look.
- To add more interest to plants that tend to get “leggy” like Mahonia and Nandina ‘Compacta’, cut the branches at different heights. For example, cut one branch 1’ from the base, the next one 1 ½’ from the base and so on. These types of shrubs will produce new growth at the location of the cut and create a layered look of new growth, hiding the leggy branches underneath.
Why should I prune?
Pruning is a great way to add shape, form, and interest to any tree or shrub. It can also help the plant generate new growth come Spring time.
What should I leave alone?
Like any rule – there are exceptions! There are a few plants that, even though not active in the winter, should not be pruned now. Azaleas and Rhododendrons are great examples of what not to cut back in the winter time; they set their flowering tissue right after they bloom. If you cut the plant back now, you won’t have any blooms the upcoming season. The time to prune Azaleas and Rhododendrons is right after they bloom.
Another plant not to prune is a bit sneaky – one of our favorite perennials, Hydrangeas. Unlike other perennials, Hydrangeas form new growth on existing tissue; hence, if all the existing limbs are cut off, it has to start all over. Expired blooms are OK to cut off, and maybe even a little trim (like, 3-4” off each branch to “form” its shape). However (you were waiting for this weren’t you?), the variety ‘Annabelle’ should be cut back to the base in the winter months.
Of course, White Oak Landscape offers regular hand pruning as part of its Maintenance Care. Regenerative pruning is available at an additional cost. Feel free to contact us with more info!
