Pruning Flowering Trees

Pruning can be done year-round for many trees. It’s an important maintenance practice to remove dead or hanging branches and, when necessary, can help control size and improve a tree’s form. For flowering trees, however, the appropriate time to prune is dependent on the species.

Some trees and shrubs are already blooming in many areas. These early-spring bloomers should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming. Forsythia, magnolia, azalea, rhododendron and lilac are some examples. This will help enhance flowering the following year. Prune these plants at other times, and you’ll see fewer blooms come spring.

On the other hand, trees like crape myrtle that bloom in summer, should be pruned during winter or in early spring.