Late winter to early spring is the best time to prune trees and shrubs. With the exception of evergreens, plants are still dormant during this window, so the stress that pruning imparts will not disrupt fruiting, flowering or the growing cycle. Plants also are approaching their emergence from dormancy, so they'll soon begin actively growing and healing from their pruning wounds. March is pruning's sweet spot.
Why prune? The most common reason is to remove damaged or broken branches to prevent injury to people and property in the event of strong wind that could rip them off and send them hurling toward you, your roof or your neighbor's car. But pruning also is necessary to maintain the form, habit and even health of many plants. This type of pruning is called "selective pruning" because you are selecting specific branches to shorten or remove.
Another pruning style, "rejuvenative pruning," typically refers to cutting an entire shrub down at its base, either all at once or incrementally, with the intention that it will grow back with an improved shape, form or habit _ and rejuvenated health. This column focuses solely on selective pruning.
