Winter Pruning: What, How & When

What to Prune in Winter

Winter is the perfect time to prune a variety of plants. Pruning during dormancy helps plants conserve energy and encourages new growth when the warmer weather hits. Here’s a list of the plants that benefit from winter pruning:

• Crape Myrtles: These beautiful summer bloomers need to be pruned just before new growth starts, typically in late winter. Focus on removing small branches, suckers, and any overgrowth to maintain a healthy shape. If you need professional pruning, check out our shrub and tree pruning services.
• Ornamental Trees: Trees like dogwoods and flowering cherries do well with winter pruning. Cut away dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth.
• Ornamental Grasses: Grasses like Pampas and Muhly should be cut back to about 6–12 inches above the ground. This helps them grow back lush and healthy.
• Roses: Knockout roses especially benefit from a hard prune in winter. Trim back dead or crossing canes to improve air circulation and encourage vibrant blooms. Need help with your roses? Our flower bed maintenance services can assist you.
• Perennials: Plants like day lilies and lantana should be cut back to the ground in winter to remove dead material and reduce pest issues.
• Overgrown Shrubs: If your shrubs are overgrown, rejuvenation pruning in winter is a great option. Cut them back significantly to promote fresh, healthy growth.

How to Prune Correctly

To ensure winter pruning is effective, it’s essential to use the right tools and techniques. Here’s how to prune correctly:

Tools You’ll Need:

• Sharp Pruning Shears for Smaller Branches – Pruning shears are ideal for cutting smaller branches and stems, typically under ½ inch in diameter. These tools provide a clean, precise cut, which is essential for preventing plant damage. Sharp shears also minimize the risk of crushing or fraying the plant tissue, promoting faster healing and preventing disease entry. They’re perfect for snipping away dead or unhealthy growth in shrubs, small trees, or perennials.
• Loppers for Medium-Sized Branches – Loppers have longer handles and stronger blades than pruning shears, making them perfect for branches ranging from ½ inch to 2 inches in diameter. They offer greater leverage, allowing you to make clean cuts on thicker, woodier growth without straining your hands or arms. These tools are especially useful for cutting back overgrown shrubs or smaller trees during winter pruning.
• A Clean Saw for Larger Cuts – For larger branches (over 2 inches in diameter), a pruning saw is necessary. A clean saw with sharp teeth ensures a smooth cut and reduces stress on the plant. Using a saw for large cuts helps prevent jagged edges, which could leave the plant vulnerable to disease. It’s essential to use a saw specifically designed for pruning to get a clean cut and minimize damage to the tree or shrub.

Pruning Tips:

The 5 D’s: Always Remove These First

1. Dead Branches – Dead branches do not contribute to the plant’s health and can invite pests or diseases. Removing them ensures that energy is not wasted on maintaining unhealthy growth.
2. Dying Branches – Branches that show signs of dying (such as wilting, browning, or discoloration) should also be removed. These branches might still have some vitality left but are unlikely to recover, so it’s best to eliminate them before they can affect surrounding growth.
3. Damaged Branches – Branches that are cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged can be a point of entry for diseases and pests. They can also interfere with the overall structure and aesthetics of the plant. Pruning these branches helps keep the plant structurally sound and encourages proper growth.
4. Disfigured Branches – Disfigured branches are those that grow in unnatural directions or disrupt the plant’s natural shape. By removing them, you can encourage a more aesthetically pleasing and healthier structure.
5. Diseased Branches – Branches infected with disease can spread pathogens to the rest of the plant. Removing diseased branches helps prevent the problem from worsening and spreading to other plants. It’s also important to clean your tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent transferring diseases from one plant to another.

Focus on Removing Crossing or Rubbing Branches

Branches that cross or rub against each other create points of friction, which can cause wounds on the plant. These wounds make the plant more susceptible to disease. By removing crossing branches, you allow the remaining growth to flourish, improving airflow and sunlight penetration throughout the plant. This is especially important for trees, where the growth structure needs to be strong and open.

Renovation Pruning for Overgrown Shrubs

For shrubs that have become overgrown, winter is the ideal time for renovation pruning. This is a more drastic pruning technique where you cut the plant back significantly—sometimes all the way to the ground or to just a few inches above the soil level. This method helps rejuvenate older, leggy shrubs and encourages dense, healthy regrowth in the spring. It’s an effective way to refresh a plant that has become too large or unshapely.

Safety First

Pruning can sometimes involve heights or sharp tools, making safety a priority. Always wear protective gloves to avoid injury from thorny or rough branches. Safety goggles are essential to protect your eyes from flying debris, especially when cutting thicker branches. If you’re pruning taller plants or trees, use a sturdy ladder to maintain balance and reach higher branches safely. It’s always better to take your time and ensure you’re working safely than risk injury or damaging the plant.

Pruning correctly helps ensure your plants grow strong and healthy, setting the stage for vibrant blooms and lush foliage in spring. If you want to ensure a beautiful, well-maintained landscape, you can always reach out to our landscape maintenance services.

When to Prune for Maximum Effectiveness

Timing is everything when it comes to winter pruning. In Leland, Hampstead, and Wilmington, NC, the ideal time to prune is between late January and March. Here’s what to look for to ensure your plants are ready for winter pruning:

• Dormancy: The plant should not have visible new growth.
• Cooler Temperatures: Consistent cool weather ensures the plant is dormant and won’t be stressed by pruning.
• Structure: The plant should appear fully dormant, with no signs of active growth.

Pruning during this window ensures minimal stress to your plants. It allows cuts to heal before the growing season begins, helping your plants thrive in the spring.

Bonus Tips for Successful Winter Pruning

To make the most of your winter pruning efforts, follow these additional tips:

• Clean Your Tools: Prevent the spread of diseases by cleaning your tools with rubbing alcohol before moving from one plant to another.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of pruning debris to avoid attracting pests and diseases.
• dd Mulch: After pruning, add a fresh layer of mulch around your plants. This helps retain moisture, insulate the roots, and protect against sudden temperature changes. Alternatively, you can also consider pine straw installation for an eco-friendly mulch option.

Achieving a Beautiful Landscape Through Winter Pruning

Winter pruning is a powerful tool for maintaining the health and beauty of your plants. By pruning at the right time and using the right techniques, you can ensure vibrant growth and abundant blooms when spring arrives. Whether you’re pruning ornamental trees, shrubs, or roses, taking the time to winter prune will pay off with a stunning landscape throughout the year. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to tackle your winter pruning tasks like a pro.

Remember, winter pruning is about more than just trimming; it’s about setting your plants up for success. So, grab your tools, and start creating a beautiful, healthy landscape today! If you need assistance, our winter pruning service is here to help you maintain your landscape and prepare for the spring season.