Most people don’t think about garden maintenance and landscaping in the winter months. But taking the time to prune and trim some of your yard plants while it’s cold is actually healthier for many types of plants and will promote their growth for the spring and summer. Here are some types of trees and shrubs that benefit most from winter pruning. 

What Plants Should You Prune in the Winter?

1. Summer-Blooming Trees & Shrubs

Trees and shrubs that don’t flower until summer, like crepe myrtle and potentilla, grow their new buds after pruning. This means you can prune them extensively in the winter when they are dormant to help encourage that new growth as soon as the warm weather hits. In fact, you can practically trim these plants down to the ground while it’s cold, and they will grow back just as strong by the end of summer. 

2. Non-Blooming Foliage Shrubs

Any shrubs that you have in your landscaping that are grown primarily for their foliage, like barberry, should be pruned to encourage new growth before the spring hits. However, the trick with these shrubs is to wait for the plant to go dormant. If pruned too early, these shrubs can put out new growth in the late autumn, and that new growth doesn’t have a chance to mature before the bitter winter hits.

3. Shade Trees 

If you have shade trees in your yard, like oak, linden, or ash trees, set up pruning appointments for when they are dormant in the winter. Luckily, it’s easier to prune these trees after the leaves fall. However, depending on the size of your trees, it’s usually recommended to call your landscaping company and have the trees professionally pruned. 

4. Berry Bushes & Fruit Trees

Bushes like blueberry, raspberry, currant, and gooseberry all grow the most berries on the newest wood. Cutting away older stems can make room for new growth and encourage stronger new stems. Cutting away about a third of the bush in the winter will set you up for a bumper crop of berries later in the year. Pruning your apple, cherry, and peach trees in the dormant winter months also ensures the new growth in the spring has generous amounts of light and nutrients. 

DRS Lawn & Landscaping in Long Valley, NJ, has over 25 years of experience turning clients’ dreams into landscaping reality. From lawn maintenance to high-end landscape architecture, their reliable, professional contractors can do it all. If you’re looking for a unique hardscape design or patio rebuild, call the professionals today at (908) 879-0600. Visit them online for more information.