Improve tree health and prevent branches from growing out of control by learning how to prune a tree.

What to prune in the spring Spring is one of the best times to prune your trees, shrubs, and plants, but it’s not the right time for everything in the garden.

Winter, when trees are dormant and their structures are visible, is the optimum time to trim dead and wayward branches. But don’t go overboard.

With the end of the fall season comes the question of when is the best time to prune trees and shrubs. It’s not always a simple answer. There are as many ways to prune as there are trees and shrubs.

A: Late winter or early spring is generally the best time to prune conifers (needled evergreens) such as arborvitae, but these plants do not respond well to heavy pruning at any time of the year.

“These trees are seldom recognized in the landscapes yet, their color, texture, and form along with pruning provides a handsome specimen.