Why Pruning Matters
Pruning isn’t just about making plants look neat — it’s about keeping them healthy, safe, and beautiful. Done correctly, pruning:
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Encourages strong growth and flowering
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Prevents disease and pest issues
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Protects property from overgrown limbs
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Shapes plants to fit their space in the landscape
When done incorrectly, though, pruning can stress plants, leave them vulnerable, or even kill them.
Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
Good pruning starts with the right equipment. At minimum, keep these on hand:
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Hand pruners for small stems and branches
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Loppers for thicker branches (up to ~2 inches)
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Pruning saw for larger cuts
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Hedge shears for shaping hedges (use sparingly)
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Clean, sharp blades to prevent tearing and disease spread
When to Prune Different Plants
The timing of pruning depends heavily on the type of plant. Prune at the wrong time, and you may cut off the very flowers you were hoping for.
Spring-Blooming Shrubs (Azaleas, Forsythia, Lilac)
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Prune right after blooming.
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These plants set flower buds on old wood. Cutting them in winter or spring removes the next season’s blooms.
Summer- and Fall-Blooming Shrubs (Crape Myrtle, Butterfly Bush, Rose of Sharon)
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Prune in late winter or early spring.
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These bloom on new wood, so pruning stimulates more flowering growth.
Evergreens (Boxwood, Holly, Arborvitae)
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Light pruning can be done almost any time.
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For heavier shaping, prune in late winter before new growth begins.
Trees
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Dormant pruning (late winter) is best for most trees.
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Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches any time of year.
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Avoid heavy pruning in spring when sap is flowing.
Perennials
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Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring.
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Some perennials (like coneflowers) can be left standing over winter to feed birds and protect pollinators.
How to Prune Correctly
Proper Cutting Angles
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Always cut just above a bud or branch junction at a slight angle.
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Don’t leave long stubs — they invite disease.
Three-Cut Method for Larger Branches
For branches thicker than 2 inches:
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Make an undercut a few inches from the trunk.
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Make a top cut further out to remove the branch.
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Finish with a clean cut at the branch collar.
This prevents bark tearing and protects the tree.
Avoiding Over-Pruning
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Never remove more than 25% of a plant’s growth at once.
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Over-pruning stresses plants and reduces energy reserves.
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
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“Topping” trees: Cutting off the tops of trees weakens them and ruins their shape.
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Shearing everything: Hedge shears are for hedges — not every shrub. Constant shearing creates weak, outer-only growth.
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Ignoring tools: Dull or dirty tools spread disease and make ragged cuts.
When to Call a Professional
Some pruning jobs are best left to trained arborists or landscape crews:
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Large trees near power lines or buildings
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Heavy limbs that require climbing or equipment
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Diseased trees that may require removal
FAQs
Can pruning kill a plant if done wrong?
Yes. Removing too much at once or cutting at the wrong time can stress plants or remove their ability to produce food.
How often should I prune my shrubs?
Most shrubs benefit from light annual pruning to shape and remove dead growth. Heavier rejuvenation may be needed every 3–5 years.
What month is best to prune trees in Virginia?
Late winter (February–March) is ideal, before spring growth begins.
