when to prune

Pruning calendar

In our Pacific Northwest climate, many plants may be pruned or renovated all year 'round. Proper pruning displays the natural beauty of your plants and keeps them healthy and disease resistant.

When to prune

In ornamental pruning we don't think strictly in terms of calendar dates. We keep an eye on the weather and the progress of the plants — sometimes seasons start "early" or "late."

We focus on the growth habit and needs of each plant, and the reason for pruning. We can prune to inhibit or encourage growth, to increase blossom or fruit production, to train the plant, or define a more beautiful shape. We can (and should) always remove dead or diseased wood, thin overcrowded areas, and clean up the garden — any time of year.

Here's a general guideline for when to prune the most common ornamental shrubs and small trees found in Portland-area landscapes. If you'd like a copy to hang on the wall, just download the pdf pruning calendar and print.

Winter

PRUNE: apple • birch • blueberry • cotoneaster • crabapple • davidia • dogwood • flowering cherry & plum • forsythia • grape • hazelnut • kiwi • maple • pear • raspberry • rose • willow

Spring

PRUNE: azalea (after flowering) • boxwood • camellia • cherry • crabapple • davidia • forsythia • kiwi • laurel • lavender • pieris japonica (after flowering) • plum • rosemary • rhododendron (after flowering) • skimmia • viburnum (after flowering) • willow

Summer

PRUNE: bay laurel • holly • hydrangea (after flowering) • magnolia • nandina (after flowering) • rosemary • rhododendron (after flowering) • skimmia • raspberry (after fruiting)

Fall

PRUNE: birch • camellia • crabapple • davidia • lavender (deadhead) • rhododendron • skimmia

To schedule pruning

Please call 503-654-7905 to set up a time for me to come prune at your place. I work throughout the Portland metropolitian area. If you'd like to learn some proper pruning skills, we can arrange for you to work alongside me. I enjoy sharing my knowledge.

If you know others who'd like to learn, let's schedule a DIY pruning workshop for you and your friends, in your yard.