To prune or not to prune. It’s a question often asked as we enter a new season. Fall is a great time for planting, but is it an ideal time for pruning? What are the factors that contribute to this decision? Check out this helpful list of spring trees and shrubs that should and should not be pruned during the fall.
PRUNING 101
Pruning your spring trees and shrubs allows flower buds to develop for spring blooms, it cleans up the spent blooms and hanging branches, it can protect your home and plants from the potential hazards created by heavy and icy tree limbs.
When it comes to the time of year and pruning your flowering trees and shrubs, the key components and deciding factors are the blooming season and the heat. From the start of spring to the end of summer, your trees and shrubs are blooming and growing. This creates a warm and cozy atmosphere for pests to come out to play while increasing the risk for disease in your healthy plants.
Also, many trees and shrubs bloom during the spring. If pruning occurs too early, you are removing the flower buds and eliminating the opportunity for your plant to grow spring blooms.
Always look up what types of plants you are wanting to prune to verify the appropriate timing for that variety. For the fall season, here is a quick list and tool to use as a reference for your next pruning adventure.
7 PLANTS TO AVOID PRUNING IN THE FALL
These 7 plants have already formed their flower buds needed for spring blooms.
1. Azalea
2. Forsythia
3. Flowering Peach, Plum, Pear, Crabapple Trees
4. Loropetalum
5. Oakleaf Hydrangea
6. Spirea
7. Viburnum
9 PLANTS APPROVED TO PRUNE IN THE FALL
These 9 plants will make new flower buds on new growth next year.
1. Butterfly Bush
2. Cape Plumbago
3. Limelight Hydrangea
4. Gardenia
5. Chaste Tree
6. Hibiscus
7. Knockout Roses and most shrub roses
8. Pomegranate
9. Crapemyrtle
Questions? Ask one of our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals at our store nearest you!
