Late winter and early spring are prime times to prune certain deciduous plants.
In winter, these plants are dormant and pruning them will encourage healthy new growth in spring.
Learn more about what you should prune and why during winter months.
“Another plus about pruning in winter is that it’s easier! You can see much more clearly when when less foliage is blocking your view.”
— Mary-Ann M., Prairie Gardens Plant Expert
Prune Late These Winter & Early Spring
Summer and fall blooming deciduous shrubs & trees.
Butterfly Bushes
Hardy Hibiscus
Potentilla Pee Gee Hydrangea
Arborescens Smooth Hydrangea
Hyrid Tea Roses
Hypericum St. Johnswort
Japanese Maples
Fruit Trees
“As a general rule, you should prune according to a plant’s bloom time. Prune spring bloomers after they flower and prune summer and fall bloomers in late winter or early spring.”
— Jim H., Prairie Gardens Plant Expert
Wait to Prune These
Spring blooming deciduous shrubs & trees should be pruned after flowering.
Forsythia
Lilacs
Weigelia
Mock Orange
Climbing and Shrub Roses
Viburnum
Wisteria
“While you should wait to prune most spring-flowering shrubs, you can remove damaged, dead or broken wood anytime to relieve stress on your plants.”
— John W., Prairie Gardens Plant Expert
Prune These Trees mid-summer through fall
Some trees have heavy sap flow in early spring which can be unsightly, although it does not injure plants. Prune these mid-summer through fall to avoid this.
Maple
Birch
Dogwood
Elm
Walnut
Yellowood
