Avoid pruning these six shrubs during spring:

Avoid trimming these six shrubs during spring, as recommended by horticulturists:

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2025 May 13 . 5:21 PM

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6 Shrubs Avoid Pruning During Spring: A List of Spring-Bound Shrubs That Lose Their Spring if You... — 6 Shrubs Avoid Pruning During Spring: A List of Spring-Bound Shrubs That Lose Their Spring if You Trim Them

Avoid pruning these six shrubs during spring:

Winter's Perfect Time for Most Shrub Pruning

Yo, it's all about shaping those shrubs right! Winter's the ideal time to get 'em looking sharp 'cause plants are dormant then, so you can easily see their form. However, some shrubs aren't fans of spring pruning - a few exceptions like forsythia included.

But how to know when to trim which shrub? Well, it's best to consult with a local extension or gardening pro before you whack away. Here are some shrubs experts advise against pruning in the spring:

Laura Irish-Hanson, extension horticulture educator at the department of agricultural and natural resource systems, University of Minnesota Extension

Lilacs: These babies are legendary for their fragrant, white and purple flowers and nesting spots for the birds. But they're susceptible to disease, which can defoliate 'em. Prune too much in the spring, and you risk causing more stress to the plant. Best to prune lilacs immediately after they finish flowering in late spring or early summer.

6 Shrubs Not Recommended for Spring Pruning:

David Hillock, consumer horticulturist and state coordinator of the Oklahoma State University Extension's master gardener volunteer program

Virginia Sweetspire: A deciduous shrub with long, thin flower spires, this one does best with partial shade and ought to be pruned only after it blooms, usually by the end of June.
Some Hydrangeas: These bad boys have varying blooming habits. Bigleaf hydrangea, one of the most popular, blooms on old wood, so you should wait until after spring to prune. Smooth hydrangea, on the other hand, blooms on new wood, so it might be better to let it grow out for a season or two before you give it a cut.

A handful of other shrubs also don't dig spring pruning:

Elderberries: Best pruned in late winter, but maybe very early spring if necessary. After that, leave 'em be.
Bush Cherries: Prune in winter while it's dormant to avoid losing blossoms and fruit, and possibly opening it up to disease.
Azaleas: The type of azalea and the timing of its bloom will determine when you should prune. deciduous azaleas can bloom through October, while some ever-blooming varieties bloom all season long. Never prune azaleas in early spring, doing so can remove the flower buds before they bloom.

Avoid pruning these six shrubs during the spring season:

Martha Stewart, famous for her lifestyle and home-and-garden expertise, suggests that winter is the perfect time for landscaping maintenance, as it allows people to easily shape shrubs and garden plants. To ensure proper pruning, consulting with local extension services or gardening professionals is advised. David Hillock, a consumer horticulturist from the Oklahoma State University Extension, recommends against pruning Virginia Sweetspire shrubs in the spring, and instead suggests pruning it only after it blooms, usually by the end of June.