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Your Guide to Fall and Winter Pruning in the Coquitlam Area
Recognizing the unique requirements of your plants and trees in the fall and winter can result in healthier growth when spring comes. Pruning is a crucial part of gardening that not only improves the beauty of your landscape, but also supports the overall health of your plants. In Coquitlam, BC (and area), the distinct climate and variety of plants offer both benefits and challenges for gardeners, particularly during the fall and winter seasons.

Here’s Why Pruning is Vital:
- Health and Growth: Pruning removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches, allowing the plant to focus its energy on new growth.
- Shape and Structure: Regular pruning helps maintain the desired shape of the plant, promoting a more aesthetically pleasing landscape.
- Sunlight Penetration: Thinning out dense foliage allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plant, enhancing photosynthesis.
- Pest and Disease Management: Removing unhealthy sections can prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
FALL PRUNING
In the lower mainland, the ideal time for fall pruning is typically from late September to early November. This window allows for sufficient recovery time before the onset of winter.
Trees and Shrubs
- Deciduous Trees: Remove any dead or crossing branches. Aim to create an open center to improve air circulation.
- Flowering Shrubs: For spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and azaleas, prune immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. However, for summer-blooming varieties, such as hydrangeas, you can prune in fall.
Pruning Techniques
- Thinning: Remove entire branches to allow light and air to penetrate.
- Heading Back: Cut back stems to a bud or branch, which encourages new growth.
- Cleansing Cuts: Make clean cuts at an angle to prevent water from pooling and encourage healing.
WINTER PRUNING
Winter pruning is best done during the dormant season, typically from late November to early February. The goal is to minimize stress on the plants and reduce the risk of disease.
Trees and Shrubs
- Evergreen Trees: Lightly shape evergreen trees to maintain their structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the plant.
- Deciduous Trees: Focus on removing weak or crowded branches to improve structure. This also reduces the risk of snow damage.
- Perennials: Cut back perennials to prevent disease and encourage new growth in the spring.
Pruning Techniques
- Crown Reduction: Lower the height of a tree by cutting back the top branches.
- Selective Pruning: Target specific branches for removal, focusing on those that are crossing or rubbing against each other.
What Tools Do I for Pruning?
- Pruning Shears: Ideal for small branches and shaping shrubs.
- Loppers: Useful for thicker branches that are too large for shears.
- Pruning Saw: Necessary for larger branches or tree limbs.
- Hedge Shears: Great for shaping hedges and shrubs.
- Safety Gear: Always wear gloves and protective eyewear to prevent injuries.
What Are Some Best Practices for Pruning?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pruning at the Wrong Time: Each plant has a specific time for pruning. Avoid cutting during their active growth phase.
- Ignoring Disease Signs: Always check for signs of disease before pruning. Diseased branches should be removed immediately to prevent spread.
- Using Dull Tools: Dull tools can crush stems instead of making clean cuts, leading to increased risk of disease.
- Forgetting Clean-Up: Properly dispose of cut branches and leaves to prevent pests and diseases from lingering in your garden.
Pruning Specific Plants in the Coquitlam and Vancouver Area
Roses
Timing: Prune in late fall or early spring.
Technique: Remove dead or crossing stems and shape the bush for improved airflow.
Fruit Trees
Timing: Late winter is ideal for most fruit trees.
Technique: Focus on thinning out crowded areas to improve fruit production.
Ornamental Grasses
Timing: Prune back in late winter before new growth begins.
Technique: Cut back to about 6 inches above ground level to encourage fresh shoots.
Shrubs and Hedges
Timing: Late fall or winter is best.
Technique: Use hedge shears to maintain shape, but avoid cutting into old wood on flowering varieties.
Pruning is more than just a gardening chore; it’s a vital practice that enhances the health and beauty of your landscape. In the Coquitlam, BC area, the fall and winter months provide a perfect opportunity to prepare your plants for the vigorous growth that spring will bring. By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you can ensure your garden not only survives the winter, but thrives in the months to come!
Does reading all of this make you feel overwhelmed? Call ATC Landscape NOW at 604-720-2853 for more information about our pruning services or for a FREE estimate.