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 Now is the prime time of year for pruning.  Begin by examining your shrubs and trees for any winter damage.  Branches and twigs broken by weather conditions obviously need to be removed. 

 I find that pruning is preferable to shearing.  Although pruning generally requires more time and effort, it allows sunlight to penetrate the center of the plant keeping it healthier. Pruning can be done during the winter months when the plants are dormant.     

 This time of year, I love to prune a few branches with buds and bring them into my house.  I re-cut and place in warm water in a large container and watch the blooming process.  Watching this is just as fun for me as enjoying the scents of full blooming branches.  My favorites include Forsythia and Quince.

 Be sure not to prune any variety that has started to bud-out.  Magnolia, Rhododendron – these shrubs plants need to be pruned after their blooming cycle so you get to enjoy all of those blossoms.  Many of us have made the mistake of pruning shrubs in bud and then we have no blossoms to enjoy in spring.  If any of you have equipment-happy husbands just waiting to try out their latest tool – hide them like I do.  Now. 

 Pruning to shape or remove dead wood is also a great idea this time of year.  Fruit trees and blooming plants are only pruned on the laterals branches so not to destroy buds that will bloom or produce fruit in the spring and summer.   This type of pruning will encourage larger blooms on the terminal ends and larger, but less fruit.

 - Barbara

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