This is the time of year when gardeners are eager to get out and do something in the landscape. One chore that can be taken care of now is pruning certain shrubs. Often, gardeners approach pruning with trepidation but it is not as difficult as it may seem. Shrubs are pruned to maintain or reduce size, rejuvenate growth, or to remove diseased, dead or damaged branches. Deciduous shrubs are those that lose their leaves each winter.
Evergreen shrubs maintain foliage all year and include yews and junipers.
Shrubs that flower in the spring should not be pruned until immediately after flowering. Though pruning earlier will not harm the health of the plant, the flowering display will be reduced. Examples of these types of plants include forsythia, lilac and mock orange. Shrubs that bloom on current season's growth or that do not produce ornamental flowers are best pruned in late winter to early spring. Pruning during the spring allows wounds to heal quickly without threat from insects or disease.