Prune – Too Early or Too Late

Q: Is it too early or is it too late to prune my shrubbery? (January 2, 1999)

A: Confusingly enough, it could be BOTH right now. Because December weather was so mild, some shrubs were late going into their winter dormant period. This doesn’t bother the shrubs if they are left alone – but if you prune an un-dormant shrub, you could make it less able to withstand the cold weather that looms. That doesn’t mean you can’t remove a limb here and a limb there. That won=t bother the shrub at all. On the other hand, major shearing or removing more than half of the limbs should be delayed until February.