How to Prune Shrubs and Trees: A Delaware Beginner’s Guide

Prune most deciduous trees and shrubs in late winter, just before new growth starts. Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as lilac, forsythia and azalea right after they bloom. Remove dead, damaged or diseased wood whenever you see it. Use sharp, clean tools, and never take off more than about one third of a plant in one year.

Why prune trees and shrubs at all?

Pruning keeps plants healthy and shaped. Removing dead and crossing branches lets air and light into the plant, directs energy to the strong growth and reduces the spots where disease starts. It also keeps shrubs off siding, windows and walkways, which protects both the plant and the house.

When is the best time to prune in Delaware?

• Late winter (February to March): best for most deciduous trees and summer-blooming shrubs, while they are dormant and the branch structure is easy to see.
• Right after flowering: for spring bloomers like lilac, forsythia and azalea. They set next year's buds on this year's growth, so pruning later removes the flowers.
• Anytime: dead, broken or diseased branches.
• Avoid late fall: pruning cuts that heal slowly can invite winter damage.

What tools do you need?

Three tools cover most homeowner pruning: bypass hand pruners for stems up to about three-quarters of an inch, loppers for branches up to about an inch and a half, and a pruning saw for anything larger. Buy quality tools. They hold an edge longer and make cleaner cuts.

A sharp blade makes a clean cut that heals quickly, much like a clean cut on skin. Keep tools clean too. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol before you move to a different plant, and again before you put them away, so you do not carry disease from one plant to the next.

How do you make a good pruning cut?

1. Start with the three Ds: remove dead, damaged and diseased wood.
2. Remove branches that cross and rub each other.
3. Cut just above a bud or side branch that points the way you want the plant to grow.
4. Step back and look after every few cuts. It is easy to take too much.
5. Do not cut more than about one third of the plant in a year, and never shear a tree into a ball or cut back to stubs.

If you are new to pruning, practice on a forgiving shrub first. A mistake on a hardy shrub grows back. A mistake on a young tree can last for decades.

When should you call a professional?

Call a professional for large trees, branches near power lines or the house, anything you cannot reach from the ground, and older plants that need renovation. Improper pruning can permanently damage a plant. Green Acres offers tree pruning and landscape maintenance for homes and businesses in the Wilmington area.

Request a free estimate from Green Acres or call (302) 332-8239 and tell us what is happening in your yard.