Winter Pruning Guide: Best Practices for Trees & Shrubs

Winter is one of the best times to prune trees and shrubs, ensuring healthy growth come spring. With leaves gone, it’s easier to see a plant’s structure, making it the perfect time to remove dead or damaged branches. At T2 Design Lawn and Landscape, we recommend winter pruning to enhance the health, appearance, and longevity of your trees and shrubs.

Early Planning Ensures a Cohesive Design

Why Prune in Winter?

Pruning during dormancy (late winter, before spring growth starts) offers several benefits:

• Encourages Healthy Growth – Removing weak or crossing branches directs energy to stronger limbs.

• Prevents Disease & Pests – Many pests and pathogens are inactive in winter, reducing the risk of infection.

• Improves Shape & Structure – Helps trees and shrubs grow in a more balanced and visually appealing way.

• Reduces Storm Damage Risks – Weak branches are more likely to break under snow and ice; pruning helps prevent accidents.

Best Practices for Winter Pruning

Know What to Prune & What to Leave

• Prune: Deciduous trees (maple, oak, birch), summer-blooming shrubs (hydrangea, roses), and fruit trees.

• Wait: Spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and forsythia—prune after they flower to avoid removing buds.

Remove the Right Branches

• Dead or diseased branches – Cut back to healthy wood.

• Crossing or rubbing branches – Choose the stronger one and remove the weaker.

• Water sprouts & suckers – These fast-growing shoots drain energy and should be pruned.

Use Proper Pruning Techniques

• Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease spread.

• Make cuts at a slight angle just above a bud or branch collar (the swollen area where a branch meets the trunk).

• Don’t over-prune – Avoid removing more than 25% of a tree’s branches at once.

Winter Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

• Pruning too early in winter – Wait until the coldest weather has passed (late February is ideal).

• Leaving stubs – Always cut back to a bud or branch for proper healing.

• Topping trees – This weakens trees and leads to poor regrowth.

Need Professional Pruning? We Can Help!

Winter pruning is essential for strong, beautiful landscapes, but it requires knowledge and skill. At T2 Design Lawn and Landscape, we offer expert pruning services to keep your trees and shrubs in top shape. Call us at 330-400-4027