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Cold-Season Care: Pruning Tips to Keep Your Landscape Thriving
Preparing your trees and shrubs for the cooler months is one of the smartest ways to promote healthy, vibrant growth come spring. Pruning during the fall and winter isn’t just about aesthetics – it plays a major role in plant health and longevity. For those gardening in Coquitlam BC and surrounding areas, the region’s temperate climate presents both opportunities and challenges that make seasonal pruning especially important.
Why Pruning Matters
- Promotes Strong Growth: By removing dead, damaged, or diseased limbs, plants can redirect energy to new, healthy growth.
- Maintains Shape: Regular trimming keeps plants looking tidy and prevents them from becoming overgrown or misshapen.
- Improves Light & Airflow: Thinning out thick areas allows more sunlight and air to reach the inner branches – key for plant health.
- Prevents Problems: Getting rid of compromised branches helps reduce the spread of pests and disease.
Fall Pruning: What to Know
In the Lower Mainland, fall pruning is typically best done from late September through early November – before the deep cold sets in.
Trees & Shrubs to Focus On:
- Deciduous Trees: Remove dead or rubbing branches and aim to open up the canopy for better airflow.
- Flowering Shrubs: Spring bloomers like lilacs and rhododendrons should be pruned right after flowering. For summer bloomers (like hydrangeas), fall is the perfect time to trim.
Common Fall Pruning Methods:
- Thinning: Removes entire branches to open up the plant.
- Heading Back: Cuts back stems to a bud or lateral branch to encourage bushier growth.
- Clean Cuts: Always angle your cuts to help water run off and reduce rot.
Winter Pruning: Smart Timing for Dormant Plants
From late November through early February, many plants go into dormancy – making this an ideal time to prune without stressing them out.
What to Prune in Winter:
- Evergreen Trees: Light shaping is fine, but avoid aggressive pruning.
- Deciduous Trees: Focus on removing weak or congested growth to prevent snow damage.
- Perennials: Cutting back in winter can help ward off disease and encourage lush spring growth.
Winter Pruning Techniques:
- Crown Reduction: Reduces the height of trees by trimming upper branches.
- Selective Cuts: Remove only problematic branches, such as those crossing or rubbing together.
Essential Tools for the Job
- Pruning Shears: Great for smaller branches and fine detail work.
- Loppers: Provide extra leverage for cutting thicker limbs.
- Pruning Saw: Use for big branches where shears won’t do.
- Hedge Shears: Perfect for shaping hedges and compact shrubs.
- Safety First: Gloves and protective eyewear are a must.
Do’s & Don’ts of Pruning
Avoid These Common Pitfalls:
- Bad Timing: Pruning too early or during active growth can do more harm than good.
- Overlooking Disease: Don’t miss signs of infection – act fast to stop it from spreading.
- Using Dull Blades: Ragged cuts can invite pests and disease—keep tools sharp.
- Leaving Debris: Always clean up your clippings to keep your yard healthy and tidy.
Quick Pruning Tips for Popular Plants in Coquitlam
Roses
- When: Late fall or early spring.
- How: Remove crossing or dead stems and shape for airflow.
Fruit Trees
- When: Best pruned in late winter.
- How: Thin out crowded branches to encourage better fruit production.
Ornamental Grasses
- When: Late winter, before new shoots emerge.
- How: Cut back to about 6 inches to promote a fresh flush in spring.
Shrubs & Hedges
- When: Late fall or winter.
- How: Trim to maintain shape, avoiding deep cuts into old wood – especially for flowering types.
Pruning doesn’t have to be overwhelming – but timing, technique, and tools matter. Done right, it can significantly boost the health and appearance of your landscape. Whether you’re maintaining a small garden or managing a larger property in Coquitlam or nearby areas, the cooler seasons offer the perfect window to get your yard in shape for spring.
Feeling unsure or don’t have the time? Let us help. Call ATC Landscape at 604-720-2853 for expert advice, professional pruning services, or a FREE estimate today. Serving Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Pitt Meadows.