We are starting to see longer days of sunshine and before we know it, spring bulbs will start to emerge from the previously frozen ground while buds take over the once bare trees. Keeping your landscape healthy and looking its best requires care not only spring through fall. Pruning plants during winter months is an essential element to this goal. Inside every plant is a work of art waiting to bloom!

6 Reasons to Winter Prune

1. Branch structures of plants can be seen more easily when the leaves aren't in the way. This allows easier identification of crossing stems, dead branches, and stems growing in awkward directions all of which contribute to clumsy looking plants. 

2. The chance of transmitting diseases reduces in the winter since most bacteria is dormant at this time. 

3. Cuts caused by pruning heal faster during the winter. Your plants have more stored energy to direct to healing the wound. 

4. Old and overgrown shrubs can be rejuvenated by pruning to 6-12” above ground, allowing new growth to generate from the base of the plant.

5. Winter pruning reduces the amount of buds on the plants, a good thing, allowing the remaining buds to grow more vigorously in the spring.

6. The risk of injury to other plants is lessened as annual and perennial plant types have not yet emerged.