Prime time to prune is now

Q. Can I prune trees and shrubs in my landscape now? Should I have done it earlier?

Bill from Petersburg

A. Deciduous trees and shrubs are dormant right now, so prune away. This is the best time of year to prune these. Pruning could have started as early as mid-February.

This time of year is a great time to prune for shape on deciduous trees and shrubs because of the ability to see the shape and internal structure of the plant while the leaves are gone.

Know that pruning now will encourage the tree or shrub to send out new growth come spring.

The only challenge with pruning these is the consideration of spring blooms. For trees like Redbud Cercis canadensis that are early spring bloomers, pruning can reduce the amount of spring blooms.

For any spring bloomer, prune for shape and reducing the number of branches or stems within the plant.

If the plan is to prune for a major rejuvenation of a shrub or tree, wait until after the bloom is over.

For large, older shrubs like common lilac, Syringa vulgaris, rejuvenate pruning may be needed.

If blooms are few and far between, remove stems at ground level that are 2” and larger. The small, newer stems will be the ones producing flowers.

Continue to remove 2-3 large-diameter stems until the plant is more uniform and producing adequate blooms.

Removing unwanted lower branches, crossing branches, and dead branches are a good way to get started on spring chores no matter the type of tree or shrub.

Evergreens are different, though. Waiting until mid-March to prune most evergreens will be the best time.

Pruning too early (before our coldest temps are behind us) may result in some browning at the pruning site.

Remember to prune evergreen hedges to a slightly pyramidal shape, allowing for sunlight to reach the lower buds for a healthy looking, full hedge.

Thinning of shrubs can be a great way to decrease size and moderate the number of stems to provide for more air movement through the shrub and reducing disease pressure. Do this by reaching down into the shrub and removing just one branch down to the next larger branch. Repeat this in a random pattern, removing no more than 20 percent of the branches.

For a great review of pruning procedures and a general calendar for pruning activities to do during each season, visit http://go.osu.edu/pruningcalendar

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hotline at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Regular clinic hours are over for the growing season, but you can still call and submit questions. Hours vary throughout the winter season.