Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in the garden until spring. Late winter is often the best time to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs while they’re still dormant.

Pruning during dormancy poses less stress on trees and shrubs than when they’re actively growing. The absence of foliage allows unobstructed observation of their structure. It’s easier to identify damage and crossing limbs and to assess their overall health.

Look for broken, damaged, crossed, or diseased branches to be removed. Check for limbs that meet the trunk at a narrow (less than 45°) angle. They’re more likely to be weak and susceptible to breaking. Consider whether branches should be thinned, making foliage less dense and allowing more light in and better air circulation to help minimize foliar diseases. Once you’ve determined what needs to be done for the plant’s health, consider whether pruning might improve or maintain shape or height.

Bare branches growing close together in the snow.
Late winter is a great time to prune most shrubs and trees. Look for limbs that cross or rub others and remove. Photo by Debra Heleba.

While many trees and shrubs benefit from late winter pruning, some don’t. Avoid late winter pruning of plants that bloom in early spring, such as lilacs (Syringa), azaleas (Rhododendron) and forsythia (Forsythia), or you’ll see far fewer flowers this year. They set buds soon after flowering and are best pruned right after their flowers fade.

If you grow hydrangeas, before pruning confirm that the variety you grow blooms on new wood—such as Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) and Hydrangea paniculata (panicled hydrangea). On the other hand, Hydrangea macrophylla (big leaf hydrangea) and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) bloom on old wood and shouldn’t be pruned in late winter.

You’ll need some basic tools. Bypass-style hand pruners are useful for trimming small branches. Loppers come in various sizes and can handle branches up to 2 inches in diameter. A pruning saw works best for larger branches.

Be sure your tools are clean and sharp. You’re more likely to be injured by a dull blade, and it’s more difficult to make a clean cut. A dirty blade could spread disease (even in winter).

Don’t forget to wear eye protection and gloves for safety.

Take the time to assess the shrub or tree and decide on an end result before you make that first cut. Prune judiciously. You can always remove additional pieces, but it’s impossible to undo a careless or excessive cut.

Select a branch and locate a bud to identify a node near where you want to make the cut. Prune just above the node (bud), cutting downward at a 45° angle. This helps avoid moisture accumulation that could encourage disease.

If removing an entire branch, cut outside the branch collar (the area of raised bark where the branch emerges), but don’t leave a large stub.

Three pruned branches laying on snow.
When pruning a branch, cut just above the bud at a 45° angle. The branch on the left shows a proper cut. The branch in the center is pruned too far from the bud and may hinder healing. The branch on the right is pruned flush or too close to the bud, which can prevent new growth. Photo by Debra Heleba.

Disinfect pruning tools between cuts. This is particularly important when removing diseased parts. Don’t compost diseased prunings.

Prune thoughtfully. Plan your cuts. Avoid cutting straight across the top of the whole plant in an attempt to control growth. Often referred to as “topping,” this can encourage fast, weak growth and damage the tree or shrub’s health.

To avoid stressing the plant, don’t remove more than one-third of a shrub or tree.

If pruning to rejuvenate a mature shrub, select no more than one-third of the largest and oldest branches and cut them back to the ground. Reduce height by pruning the remaining branches by one-third, back to a bud. Do the same for the next two years.

If you’re still wondering why you should prune in late winter, consider this: it gets you outdoors and doesn’t involve shoveling. Better yet, it gets you back into the garden, and isn’t that what we’re all dreaming of in the waning days of winter?