How to Prune Trees and Shrubs
Learn correct pruning techniques to boost growth.
Pruning is one of the most important gardening practices — but also one of the most misunderstood. When done correctly, pruning encourages healthy growth, improves air circulation, enhances flowering, and helps maintain the shape of trees and shrubs. But pruning incorrectly can stress the plant, delay blooming, or even cause long-term damage.
Whether you’re new to gardening or want to refine your skills, here’s a simple guide to pruning trees and shrubs the right way.
Why Pruning Matters
- Proper pruning helps your plants by:
- Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches
- Stimulating new growth
- Improving sunlight penetration
- Shaping and controlling size
- Boosting flower and fruit production
- Think of pruning as giving your plants a fresh start — not just cutting them back.
When to Prune
- Timing depends on the type of plant:
- Spring Flowering Shrubs & Trees (e.g., Jasmine, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Cherry Blossom)
- Prune right after flowering
- Avoid pruning before bloom — you may remove flower buds.
- Summer Flowering Plants (e.g., Crepe Myrtle, Bougainvillea, Rose, Hibiscus)
- Prune in late winter or early spring
- This encourages fresh growth and more blooms.
Evergreen Shrubs
- Light shaping can be done any time
- Major pruning: late winter
- Avoid Pruning During
- Extreme heat
- Frost or winter dormancy (except winter pruning for specific species)
Tools You Need
- Hand pruners (for small stems)
- Loppers (for medium branches)
- Pruning saw (for thick wood)
- Gloves
- Disinfectant (to clean tools before and after use)
- Tip: Clean tools with alcohol or diluted bleach to prevent disease spread.
How to Prune Step-by-Step
STEP 1: Remove the 3 D’s
- Start by cutting:
- Dead branches
- Diseased branches
- Damaged or broken branches
STEP 2: Remove Crossing or Rubbing Branches
- Branches rubbing each other cause wounds — which invite pests and fungi.
STEP 3: Thin Out Dense Growth
- This improves airflow and sunlight penetration, especially for flowering plants.
STEP 4: Shape the Plant
- Keep a natural form — avoid harsh straight lines unless creating topiary or hedge styles.
- Tree Tip: Keep the top narrower than the bottom — so lower leaves still get sunlight.
How to Make a Correct Cut
- Cut ¼ inch above a leaf node or bud
- Angle the cut slightly away from the bud
- Avoid cutting too close or leaving long stubs
- For thick branches: use the three-cut method to prevent tearing:
- Undercut the branch a few inches out
- Make a full cut from the top
- Remove the remaining stub cleanly
Should You Seal Cuts?
Most modern gardening experts recommend not sealing cuts, unless the tree is prone to borers or gum disease. Plants naturally heal through callusing.
Aftercare Tips
- Apply compost or organic fertilizer after pruning
- Water deeply
- Add mulch around the base (not touching the trunk)
- Avoid heavy feeding immediately after hard pruning
Final Thought
Pruning is both an art and a science. With the right tools, timing, and techniques, you can help your trees and shrubs grow healthier, stronger, and more beautiful. Start slowly, observe how your plants respond, and soon pruning will feel natural — like giving your garden a breath of fresh life.
