Pruning Tips for a Healthier Garden
Pruning is one of the most valuable tools in a gardener’s toolkit, promoting healthy growth, improving blooms, and even preventing diseases. With a thoughtful approach to seasonal pruning, you can enjoy a flourishing garden year-round. And, as a trusted source for unique shrubs and perennials for decades, Wayside Gardens is here to guide you through the essentials of spring and fall pruning, so your plants can thrive and look their best in every season.
Why Prune Seasonally?
The timing of pruning can make all the difference. Some plants, especially perennials and flowering shrubs, benefit from spring pruning to kick-start growth, while others respond better to a fall trim to prepare for dormancy. Knowing when and how to prune can give your garden a head start for the seasons to come.
Spring Pruning Guide
Spring pruning allows plants to recover during the growing season, and it's an ideal time to remove any winter-damaged growth. Plants pruned in spring are typically those that bloom on new wood or benefit from a clean-up after winter. Here are recommendations for spring pruning:
Plants and Shrubs to Prune in Spring
| Plant/Shrub | Pruning Tips | Tools Needed | Best Time for Pruning |
| Roses (including Knock Out) | Trim back about 1/3 of the plant to shape, remove dead wood | Hand pruners | After frost danger passes |
| Lavender | Cut back old stems by one-third for fullness | Shears | Early Spring |
| Hosta | Remove any dead or damaged leaves for a tidy appearance | Pruning scissors | Early Spring |
| Catmint | Cut back by one-third after first bloom to shape | Shears | Mid to Late Spring |
| Blanket Flower | Deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering | Hand pruners | Throughout Spring |
Additional Notes:
Lavender should be pruned only lightly in spring to avoid cutting into woody stems, which can harm the plant.
Catmint and Blanket Flower respond well to deadheading through the season, rather than heavy seasonal cuts.
Spring Pruning Tips
When pruning in spring, focus on making clean cuts just above outward-facing buds to direct new growth outward. Remove any dead wood, as well as crossed branches that can hinder air circulation. For roses, pay attention to removing thin, spindly stems that can sap energy from larger branches. High-quality tools, such as sharp pruning shears or loppers, are essential for clean cuts that promote quick healing.
Fall Pruning Guide
Fall is the time to tidy up your garden, removing spent flowers and thinning out certain perennials to prepare them for winter. Plants pruned in fall generally include those that need winter preparation, especially if they're prone to disease, or if cutting back dead foliage reduces pest harboring. Here’s a table of popular plants that benefit from a fall trim:
Plants and Shrubs to Prune in Fall
| Plant/Shrub | Pruning Tips | Tools Needed | Best Time for Pruning |
| Peony | Cut back foliage to ground level after it yellows | Pruning shears | Late Fall |
| Magnolia | Light shaping if necessary, removing dead or damaged branches | Pruning shears | Early Fall |
| Iris | Trim leaves to a few inches above ground | Shears | Late Fall |
| Phlox | Cut back to reduce mildew risk | Shears | Late Fall |
| Monarda (Bee Balm) | Cut to ground level to prevent disease | Pruning shears | Late Fall |
Fall Pruning Tips
In fall, avoid heavy pruning on any woody shrubs, as they may need that structure for winter hardiness. Stick to removing dead or spent growth, especially on perennials like phlox and bee balm, which are prone to mildew if left unpruned. To ensure your plants are healthy and resilient, only prune what is necessary to tidy up for winter without over-thinning.
Plants Not to Prune in Spring or Fall
Certain plants are best left alone during both spring and fall, as pruning during these seasons could remove next year's blooms or weaken the plant. Here are a few to note:
Forsythia: Only prune after flowering to avoid losing spring blooms.
Azaleas/Rhododendrons: Bloom on old wood; prune right after flowering.
Oakleaf Hydrangea: Prune only lightly after flowering, as it blooms on old wood. Learn more about hydrangea types and when to prune.
Russian Sage: Only cut back in early spring to prepare for growth.
Coneflower, Milkweed, Grasses: Provide winter interest and shelter for wildlife; prune in early spring.
Lilac, Viburnum, Weigela: Prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds.
Spirea: Light pruning after flowering if needed; avoid hard pruning in spring or fall.
Clematis: Different species require specific timing—Group 1 in spring, Group 2 after bloom, and Group 3 in late winter or early spring. Learn more about pruning clematis by group.
FAQs: Commonly Asked Pruning Questions
How Do I Clean and Sharpen Pruners?
Keeping your pruners clean and sharp is essential for plant health. Start by wiping blades with a cloth and rubbing alcohol after each use to prevent the spread of disease. For sharpening, use a whetstone or a sharpening tool specifically designed for garden tools. Hold the blade at a slight angle, moving it along the stone until sharp.
How Do I Prune Trees?
Tree pruning can vary by type, but a good rule of thumb is to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. For young trees, shape them by cutting back any competing leader branches to a single central stem. For mature trees, focus on thinning out crowded branches to allow light and air into the canopy. Always avoid topping trees, as this can lead to weak growth.
How Do I Prune Shrubs?
Shrub pruning involves shaping and removing old or crowded stems to promote airflow. For flowering shrubs, make sure to prune according to their blooming schedule to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. Cut back overly long branches to maintain a balanced shape, making cuts at a slight angle just above a leaf node.
Your Source for Unique Shrubs and Pruning Tools
At Wayside Gardens, we take pride in helping gardeners achieve beautiful, healthy landscapes with our curated selection of plants and shrubs. Our decades-long heritage of quality and expertise makes us the perfect partner if you’re looking to invest in unique, resilient plants that thrive with thoughtful care. From hard-to-find varieties to classic favorites, Wayside Gardens offers shrubs that are as distinct as your landscape vision.
Explore our collection to find the perfect additions to your garden.
