Pruning and Trimming in Winter: Best Practices for Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Winter might seem like a time to take a break from the garden, but it’s actually one of the best seasons for pruning and trimming many trees and shrubs. With plants dormant and leaves gone, it’s easier to see their structure and make thoughtful cuts that promote healthy growth in spring. Here’s everything you need to know to prune with confidence during the colder months.

🌿 Why Prune in Winter?
Pruning in winter offers several advantages:

Dormancy means less stress on plants and a reduced risk of disease.

Bare branches reveal structure, making it easier to see what needs to be cut.

Healing begins before spring, giving plants a head start for the growing season.

✂️ What to Prune in Winter
Not all plants benefit from winter pruning, but many do. Focus on:

Deciduous trees and shrubs like roses, fruit trees, crepe myrtles, and hydrangeas.

Overgrown or misshapen shrubs that need reshaping.

Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed regardless of the season.

Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs (like azaleas and camellias) in winter — they bloom on old wood, and pruning now could remove buds before they flower.

✅ Best Practices for Winter Pruning
Use clean, sharp tools
Always disinfect your shears or saws before and after use to prevent spreading disease.

Start with the 3 D’s: Dead, Diseased, and Damaged
Removing these first will improve air circulation and make the next steps easier.

Avoid heavy pruning during frost
Prune on mild, dry days to reduce the risk of frost damage to freshly cut areas.

Make smart cuts
Cut just above a bud or branch junction, angling slightly away from the bud to direct water away.

Don’t overdo it
Removing more than 25–30% of a plant at once can shock it, even in dormancy.

🌱 Aftercare Tips
Mulch lightly around the base after pruning to insulate roots without touching the stem or trunk.

Don’t fertilize yet — wait until spring when active growth begins.

Monitor for pests or disease, especially on previously damaged wood.

🧤 Need a Hand?
At Green Planet, we offer expert pruning and maintenance services tailored to your garden’s seasonal needs. Whether you’re reshaping shrubs or preparing fruit trees for a strong spring, we’ll take care of it with skill and care.

🌳 Let’s get your garden winter-ready — and spring-prepared.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a winter pruning session.