Prune Like a Pro in Late Winter the Lower Mainland

As winter winds down and signs of spring begin to emerge, many gardeners in the Lower Mainland turn their attention to their plants and trees. One of the most beneficial tasks to undertake this time of year is pruning. But before you grab your shears and start snipping away, it’s essential to understand the best timing for pruning, the specific plants that benefit from it, and how to go about it.

Why Late Winter?

By this time, many plants are still in their dormant phase, meaning they won’t be actively growing, which is an advantage for pruning. When plants are dormant, they experience less stress from pruning cuts, which helps to ensure healthy regrowth once the weather warms up.

Additionally, pruning now gives plants a head start for the spring growing season. By removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood, you’re not only helping the plant look its best but also encouraging stronger, healthier growth. The timing also allows you to shape your plants in a way that supports proper airflow and sunlight exposure, which are essential for preventing disease and promoting robust foliage and blooms in the months to come.

The Benefits of Pruning:

1. Encourages Healthier Growth: Pruning removes weak, diseased, or dead wood, helping to redirect the plant’s energy to stronger growth.
   
2. Improves Airflow: Properly pruning shrubs and trees increases air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases and pests from taking hold.
   
3. Enhances Aesthetic Appeal: A well-pruned plant looks neat and tidy, and you can shape it in a way that suits your garden design.
   
4. Promotes More Flowers and Fruit: Some plants and trees, especially fruit trees, bloom and bear more effectively when pruned at the right time of year.
   
5. Prevents Overcrowding: Pruning ensures that branches aren’t growing into one another and overcrowding, which can lead to diseases and inhibit growth.

Which Plants to Prune in Late Winter?

Here are some general guidelines for plants that benefit from pruning at this time:

1. Deciduous Trees:

Deciduous trees like maple, birch, and oak are best pruned while they’re still dormant. Late winter (before the buds swell) is the ideal time to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the tree.

2. Fruit Trees:

Late winter is the time to prune fruit trees such as apples, pears, and plums. For fruit trees, pruning should focus on removing any dead or diseased branches and shaping the tree to allow sunlight to reach the center of the tree. This helps the tree produce better fruit in the coming season.

3. Roses:

If you have roses in your garden, late winter or early spring is the time to prune them back. Look for dead or damaged canes and cut them back to encourage new growth and more blooms. Be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent disease.

4. Shrubs:

Certain shrubs, like hydrangeas and lilacs, can be pruned in late winter. These plants bloom on old wood, so you’ll want to wait until the buds are visible, but they still benefit from pruning during this period. Be sure to remove any old, weak growth to allow new shoots to develop.

5. Perennials:

Prune back any perennial plants that have died back over the winter. This may include certain types of grasses, hostas, or daylilies. Cutting these plants back to the ground helps to encourage fresh new growth when the warmer weather arrives.

Best Pruning Practices

Now that you know which plants can be pruned in late February, let’s go over some best practices for a successful pruning session:

1. Use Clean, Sharp Tools:

Ensure your pruning tools are clean and sharp to make smooth cuts. Dull tools can damage the plant and create an entry point for disease.

2. Prune at the Right Angle:

When making cuts, prune at a 45-degree angle. This helps water run off the cut, preventing water from sitting on the surface and causing rot.

3. Remove Dead, Diseased, and Damaged Wood:

Always start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. This improves the plant’s health and reduces the risk of disease spreading.

4. Avoid Over-Pruning:

It’s easy to get carried away, but pruning too much can stress the plant and stunt its growth. Stick to removing only the essential parts of the plant, focusing on thinning out the center for better airflow and light penetration.

5. Check Local Guidelines:

Before you start pruning, double-check with local gardening experts or online resources to make sure you’re pruning your plants at the right time for their specific species.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, you’re not alone – pruning requires a fair amount of expertise and precision. That’s why we highly recommend reaching out to a professional who can handle the job properly, ensuring great results from the outset.

At ATC Landscape, we specialize in pruning:

• Trees up to 15’
• Cedar hedges
• Plants
• Shrubs

Proudly serving Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Pitt Meadows. Give us a call today at 604-720-2853 for a FREE estimate and let’s get you scheduled in!