Woody plants that bloom on old wood include rhododendrons Rhododendron spp.

Remove crossing branches and branches that grow back towards the center of the tree.

Check with your local nursery, garden center, or extension agent for detailed instructions.

As young trees grow, remove lower branches gradually to raise the crown, and remove branches that are too closely spaced on the trunk. Remove multiple leaders on evergreens and other trees where a single leader is desirable. Shrubs. Evergreen Shrubs. Prune evergreen shrubs, such as juniper and yew, in late March or early April before new growth begins. Light pruning may also be done in mid-summer. Avoid pruning evergreen shrubs in the fall.

Fall pruned evergreens are more susceptible to winter injury. Deciduous Trees. February through March is generally regarded as the best time to prune most deciduous trees. Apr 19, Hedging shears should only be used for pruning hedges, topiaries, and other formal shapes. There is rarely any need to use hedging shears on deciduous shrubs. Although shearing is faster than hand pruning, selective hand pruning is much better for the plant and results in better structure in the long term.

Dec 18, Pruning in Spring Many plants, especially deciduous trees and shrubs, are best pruned in late winter or early spring, just before they break dormancy.

Once heavy frosts have abated, the plants are less likely to suffer cold damage at the point where you make your treeclean.barted Reading Time: 10 mins. Mar 10, Proper Way to Prune a Tree Limb When thinning, reducing and shaping branches and limbs small enough to cut with hand tools, keep in mind that your cuts are going to encourage new growth.

Cut limbs ¼ inch above a bud that faces the outside of Estimated Reading Time: 9 mins.