7 of the Worst Mistakes to Avoid When Pruning Plants

Pruning plants can feel daunting if you’re unsure about how much to trim or when to make your cuts. Avoiding common mistakes ensures healthier, more attractive plants in your landscape. Here’s how to prune effectively and avoid these pitfalls:

Common Pruning Mistakes and Better Approaches

1. Pruning Away Developing Flower or Fruiting Buds

• Cutting off developing buds is a frequent error, especially with flowering trees and shrubs. For plants that bloom in spring or early summer, like certain hydrangeas, flower buds form in the previous summer. Wait to prune these until after they bloom. For midsummer to fall bloomers, prune in early spring before new growth begins.

Better Approach: Understand when your plant forms buds and time your pruning accordingly to preserve flowers and fruits.

1. Removing Too Much Growth at One Time

• Overzealous pruning can harm plants by removing too much foliage at once. This stresses the plant and weakens its ability to recover.

Better Approach: Never remove more than one-third of a plant’s mass in a single pruning session. For severely overgrown plants, spread pruning over several years.

1. Topping a Plant to Reduce Height

• Topping trees or large shrubs by indiscriminately cutting back branches leads to weak, hazardous new growth. This practice damages the plant’s structure and longevity.

Better Approach: Reduce height by cutting back to lateral branches or ground level. Choose cuts that promote healthy growth and maintain structural integrity.

1. Pruning in Late Summer or Autumn

• Pruning late in the season stimulates tender new growth that is vulnerable to winter frost and disease. This can lead to decay and further damage.

Better Approach: Avoid pruning after early September in most regions. Schedule major pruning tasks for late winter to early spring to prepare plants for the growing season.

1. Applying Tar or Paint to Pruning Wounds

• Using tar or paint on pruning cuts was once thought to prevent disease, but it actually traps moisture and promotes fungal growth.

Better Approach: Let pruning wounds heal naturally without applying any sealants. Allow the plant’s natural defenses to protect against pathogens.

By avoiding these common pruning mistakes and following the recommended approaches, you can promote healthier growth, preserve the plant’s natural beauty, and maintain a vibrant landscape throughout the year.