When should a shrub be pruned?

Gardeners should prune shrubs that flower in the summer in late winter or early spring, when the plant is still dormant. Evergreen shrubs should be pruned in mid spring, just before the plant starts growing again but after the chance for frost has passed.

Plants that flower in the spring need pruning in late spring or early summer, just after their new blooms have faded. Pruning shrubs during the correct season helps them grow fuller and remain healthy. Gardeners can do some pruning, such as removing dead or weak limbs, at any time of the year without damaging the plant.