This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement for details.
Simple garden pruning guide that explains what and when to prune popular trees, shrubs, roses, hydrangeas, clematis, and evergreens.
As a self-taught gardener, the learning curve has been steep at times. Questions like when to plant, how much to water, and whether or not to fertilize used to overwhelm me. But the thing that confused me the most was when to prune. I’ve made plenty of mistakes…some that cost me entire seasons of blooms. Many pruning guides are written for advanced gardeners, and they can be hard to follow. This simple guide is meant to take the guesswork out of pruning, introduce new plant ideas, and help you feel confident before anything goes into the ground. Gardening doesn’t need to be complicated to be rewarding.
Choosing the Right Pruner
The most important tool for pruning is a pair of shears that feels comfortable in your hand. My personal favorite is a bypass pruner because it makes clean cuts on live stems. Avoid anvil pruners for anything green, they tend to crush the stem, but they’re fine for removing dead wood. Try a few in-store if you can, and pick a pair that’s easy to control and not too heavy.
When to Prune Spring-Blooming Trees and Shrubs
Examples: lilac, forsythia, rhododendron, viburnum
Spring-blooming trees and shrubs should be pruned in late spring or early summer, right after their flowers fade. These plants bloom on old wood, so pruning later in the season helps preserve next year’s buds. To maintain shape and encourage fullness, remove older stems at ground level and any dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas can be tricky, but understanding which type you have makes all the difference. Lacecap, mophead, and oakleaf varieties bloom on old wood, so they should be pruned in mid to late summer after the flowers fade. Newer varieties like Endless Summer bloom on both old and new wood, so they’re more forgiving and can be pruned any time. PeeGee, Limelight, and Annabelle hydrangeas bloom on new growth and do well with a late fall or very early spring trim. Only prune Annabelles to 18″-24″ so your plants develop strong limbs.
How to Prune Roses
To simplify things, think of roses in two categories: those that bloom once a season and those that bloom repeatedly. Old garden roses and many climbers bloom once and should be pruned just after flowering. Repeat bloomers, like knock-out, miniature, floribunda, and grandiflora roses, should be pruned in early spring to remove winter damage and shape the plant before new growth starts.
Best Time to Prune Broadleaf Evergreens
Examples: holly, magnolia, azalea
The safest time to prune broadleaf evergreens is in late spring, once blooming has finished. You can prune earlier, but doing so before buds open might remove the season’s flowers. Light shaping or removing damaged branches is fine in early spring, but wait until after blooming for major cuts.
Needle Evergreen Pruning Tips
Examples: Douglas fir, cypress, juniper, spruce
Most needle evergreens don’t need annual pruning, and many can go several years without any shaping. If pruning is needed, do it in early spring before new growth emerges. These evergreens are great for holiday decorating. Cutting the branches for arrangements won’t harm the plant if done carefully.
How to Prune Clematis
Clematis can be confusing, but it’s all about when the plant blooms. Spring bloomers flower on old wood and should be pruned after blooming; never prune them in the fall or you’ll lose next year’s flowers. Varieties that bloom in early to mid-summer can be pruned lightly in fall or early winter, and more heavily every couple of years to manage growth. Late summer and fall bloomers (like the Sweet Autumn clematis pictured below) grow on new wood and should be cut back hard in early spring to about a foot tall. This encourages strong growth and plenty of blooms.
Final Thoughts on Pruning
Gardening literally soothes my soul, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Over the years, I’ve simplified my routine to make things easier, but I still look forward to the season with the same sense of anticipation and hope. Pruning used to feel overwhelming, but once I understood the basics, it became something I actually enjoy. With the right tools and a little planning, this task turns into a rewarding part of caring for a garden. And when something doesn’t go as planned, there’s always next season to try again. If you’re looking for more inspiration and help, fill out the form below for easy tips and advice.
THE EVERYDAY GARDENER
The Everyday Gardener is packed with simple, practical tips
to help any homeowner create a beautiful, low-maintenance
outdoor space with confidence.
did you start your clematis from a plant or seeds ?
Hi Glenda…I bought small plants at the garden center. Thank you!
I have gardened for years but I found this extremely helpful and clearly written. I am sending it to all my children, who are new are the home owning scene and just starting their gardening careers. Well done!
This is very helpful information; thank you for sharing. Your blog is a favorite!
Thanks for these tips. I am a self taught gardner too. It can be very confusing trying to remember when and what to prune. This is diffently going to be put in a handy place for a quick reference. I always enjoy your posts!!
Thanks for the tips. They are most helpful! My daughter and I were just discussing pruning last night! So I will pass your info on.
I live in Tennessee and our winter this year has been cold! However, our summers can be sweltering with heat and humidity. So we love the early springs and falls. I enjoy your blog and appreciate the printables!
This is an excellent guide…thank You!
Greetings Ann,
Great article on pruning. I am a 30 year veteran in the landscape industry and continue to learn new things every season. I enjoy reading other gardeners take on pruning, planting, designing, bed maintenance, etc. Besides confirming that which is already known, there is always something new to add to one’s ever growing library of garden facts, figures, stories and folklore. Keep up the good work. Happy Gardening!
Jack
You have the best information for plants! It is easy to understand and user friendly. Is there a ‘printer friendly’ version? I would love to have a copy that I can easily go to.
Love your blog! I’ve saved so much information and so many recipes from it.
Proper pruning is so important. Thanks for a great article.
I so enjoy your blog. It’s the first thing I open and always is well written. I offen go back to them when I need to refresh my memory. Also love wreaths. ❤️
Thanks Pat
It’s been years that I have requested a newsletter but yours is by far the best I’ve seen! I have even sent the newsletter to several of my friends for them to enjoy! I love the surprise of the printables, and they do print up simply beautifully! Thank You.
Ann, my gardening friend you did well with this post. You explained everything very well so that as a beginner gardener you understand the complexities of pruning. I wish I had this when I was started my gardening . I love gardening and I can see Spring coming as we speak.The pussy willows are out , waiting for me to clip them. Gardening soothes my Soul as weĺl.
As a fellow novice but enthusiastic gardener, I appreciate your pruning guide. It will no doubt spare many gardening disasters for my longsuffering yard this year!
Thank You, Ann! I totally will use your guide for pruning. I have made mistakes especially with hydrangeas. It was very helpful that you listed them by Variety.
Ann, thank you for a very timely article. As a landscape/floral designer pruning is a question I get asked the most. Love your blog…you always give good info in a timely manner.
Great ideas for us “unprofessional “gardeners. I’m going to print the pruning guide off and follow.
I bought new gardening gloves yesterday so I’m ready.
I’m like you in that spring and summer soothe my soul.