When Should I Cut Back My Plants?

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If you have a garden, chances are one of the routine acts you take to maintain it are trimming and pruning. Contrary to popular belief, trimming and pruning isn't just for aesthetic reasons -- it also helps your plants survive during the winter months.

The Best Time to Prune

Although pruning and trimming back your plants and flowers for the winter won't kill the plant, doing this at the wrong time could result in fewer blossoms and fruit the following spring. If you're going to prune and trim your garden yourself, then make sure you have the following tools at the ready:

  • Hand pruners

  • Shearers

  • Loppers

  • Saw

Pruning Flowering Plants

The best time to prune and trim flowering plants (including vibes, shrubs and trees) is when they are dormant. For New England, this is usually during the winter and early spring if you have plants that flower during the summer and Fall. Fruit shrubs and trees should be pruned shortly after they produce fruit. Be sure to remove any dead or sickly-looking branches in order to optimize the number of fruits next year.

Pruning Perennial Plants

These are the most labor-intensive types of plants a homeowner can have in their garden (aside from fruit-producing trees). Just because they are expected to return in full bloom and full health next year doesn't mean that will necessarily happen. Homeowners should keep in mind that perennials need to be constantly pruned, trimmed and deadheaded to promote growth and vigor. Not only this, but you will also need to cut the plant back entirely after the growing season.For those with evergreens, there is no need to prune or trim these plants unless the branches are interfering with other aspects of your property or they are looking sickly.If you're interested in designing a new garden next season, contact Premier Landscape for landscaping design services!

 
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