When Is The Best To Trim Flowering Trees?
Brenda Asked
When is the best to trim flowering trees?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Brenda: Pruning can be done to thin, shape, and rejuvenate our flowering shrubs. The correct time to prune them depends on what the shrub is and what time the year it blooms. As a general rule we prune spring-flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming. This includes all plants that flower before June 1. For the summer-flowering shrubs, those that bloom after June 1, they should be pruned during the winter months or in the early spring before new growth begins. It is best not to prune more than one-third of any shrub at one time. If you need to take more than one-third off your plant, do it during consecutive years. It is fine to prune any broken, diseased, or dead branches off as soon as you notice them. If you need proper pruning instructions visit: www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ho/ho59/ho59.htm
