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Winter Pruning Basics: What to Cut Back and What to Leave Alone
Jan
Winter can feel like a quiet season in the garden, but it’s also an important time for pruning. Knowing what to cut back and what to leave alone during winter helps keep plants healthy, improves their shape, and sets the stage for stronger growth in spring. With a little guidance, winter pruning can be simple and effective rather than intimidating.
At Bru-Mar Gardens, we often remind gardeners that thoughtful winter pruning is about timing and understanding plant habits, not cutting everything back at once.
Why Winter Is a Good Time to Prune
Many trees and shrubs are dormant during winter, which makes it easier to see their structure without leaves in the way. Pruning during dormancy can reduce stress on plants, limit the spread of disease, and encourage healthy growth when warmer weather returns.
In Maryland’s climate, winter pruning also helps prepare plants for spring storms and new growth.
What You Can Prune in Winter
Some plants benefit from winter pruning and respond well when cut back during dormancy.
Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
Most deciduous trees and shrubs can be pruned in winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This helps improve airflow and overall structure.
Summer-Blooming Shrubs
Shrubs that bloom on new growth, such as butterfly bush, rose of Sharon, and many hydrangeas, can be pruned in winter without affecting spring flowers.
Fruit Trees
Winter is an ideal time to prune many fruit trees. Pruning helps shape the tree, improve light penetration, and encourage better fruit production.
What to Leave Alone Until Spring
Not all plants should be pruned in winter. Cutting some plants at the wrong time can reduce or eliminate blooms.
Spring-Blooming Shrubs
Plants that bloom early in the season, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs, and forsythia, should not be pruned in winter. These plants set their flower buds the previous year, and winter pruning removes those buds.
Evergreens
Most evergreens require little to no winter pruning. Major pruning is best saved for late spring or early summer when active growth resumes.
Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
Leaving stems and seed heads in place over winter can protect crowns from cold temperatures and provide visual interest and wildlife habitat.
Pruning With Purpose
Winter pruning should focus on removing dead or damaged wood, improving plant shape, and reducing overcrowding. Clean, sharp tools are essential, and it’s always better to make fewer, thoughtful cuts than to over-prune.
If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to wait or ask for advice before cutting.
Winter Pruning FAQs
Is it okay to prune when it’s very cold?
It’s best to prune on milder winter days. Extremely cold temperatures can make branches brittle and more prone to damage.
How much should I prune at one time?
Avoid removing more than about one-third of a plant at once. Over-pruning can stress plants.
Do I need to seal pruning cuts?
In most cases, no. Plants naturally heal pruning wounds on their own when cuts are made correctly.
What tools should I use for winter pruning?
Sharp hand pruners, loppers, and pruning saws are usually sufficient. Clean tools help prevent the spread of disease.
What if I’m not sure when to prune a plant?
When in doubt, wait or ask for guidance. Pruning at the wrong time can affect flowering and plant health.
Prune With Confidence
Understanding when and how to prune helps gardens stay healthier and more attractive year after year. Winter pruning doesn’t have to be complicated, and a little knowledge goes a long way toward preventing common mistakes.
Located at 1009 Bay Ridge Road in Annapolis, Maryland, Bru-Mar Gardens proudly serves local gardeners with expert advice and quality gardening supplies. We are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and our team is always happy to help you determine the best pruning approach for your landscape.