The key to successful pruning is to have sharp pruning shears. We suggest that you dip the blades in rubbing alcohol before using them.

Perennials

All perennials should be cut back as needed. In the late fall, after a few hard frosts, or even in the early spring you may cut perennials back to the ground after they have turned completely brown. The exception to this are coral bells, dianthus, and lavender. Only prune them back a little, not all the way to the ground, and remember not to cut back into the big woody branches. Sedum flower heads (such as Autumn Joy) can be left on during winter for added interest.

Grasses

All grasses may be left up during the winter for winter interest and then cut back in the spring before new growth appears. If you wish you may cut them back in the early winter when the grass has completely turned brown. Cut all grasses back to 6-9" after a couple of hard frosts.

Trees

Trees need little to no maintenance. Just make sure they keep a descent shape that you like. When pruning trees and shrubs (not shearing), be sure to cut back to a bud so there are no stubs sticking out.

Shrubs

Butterfly Bush and Caryopteris :: Trim back to 12-18" in the late spring after new leaves come out. Cut out old canes and keep newer, younger canes. During summer spent blooms may be cut off to promote more blooms but it is not necessary.

Boxwood :: Boxwoods may be pruned two different ways. They may be sheared or hedge trimmed into boxes or balls. They may be also hand pruned as needed and have a more natural look.

Clethra :: Can be pruned to shape after the bloom season, typically the end of July.

Hydrangea :: Different hydrangeas require different pruning. Please make sure of the type that you have, if you don't find yours in our examples, please call (419-287-4679).

Macropphylla, Mopheads (Endless Summer, Pia, Merrit Supreme, Glowing Embers, Masja, Nikko Blue, All Summer Beauty), Serrata (Perziosa, and most lace caps), Sawtooth :: Don't trim these back, only remove old flower heads. Can leave any leaves in the center of the plant and around the plant to help protect buds for next year. In June cut out old dead canes (they should snap off if they are dead).

Paniculata (Limelight, Little Lamb, Tardiva, Unique, Pinky Winky) :: Flowers on new growth, so can trim to shape in the early spring.

Quercifolia, Oakleaf (Alice, Snow Queen, Pee Wee, Sikes Dwarf) :: Trim after flowering if needed or can leave flower heads on through winter and cut back in the spring. Usually only trim to shape if needed, then cut back to bud.

Annabelle :: Can cut back in fall to 6" it flowers on new growth.

Lilacs :: Prune all lilacs back after they have bloomed. If you cut them back after the middle of July, there may not be as many blossoms the following spring.

Lilacs on Standard (Tree form):: Usually trimmed to a ball shape, either sheared or hand trimmed. Same as other lilacs don't trim after the middle of July. You can cut any long shoots that form after that.

Privet :: Prune as needed. Privet is a fast grower and can handle being pruned at almost anytime of the year.

Rhododendron :: These plants don't need to be pruned a whole lot. If a branch gets too long or out of control then prune it back, otherwise they should maintain their shape on their own.

Rose of Sharon :: Trim in early spring

Shrub Roses :: Normally you should only need to trim back any long shoots to make the plant more compact for the winter so the wind won't break them off. In spring, when first starting to bud out, trim back to 12-18" to a bud. Rabbits will chew on canes in the winter.

Spirea :: Usually trimmed to a ball shape. Trim in early spring (March, April), before they leaf out. A light shearing after they flower will promote another flowering in July/August.

Sweetspire (Henry's Garnet/Little Henry Sweetspire) :: Prune as needed, only lightly. Usually only long sprouts here and there occasionally.

Viburnums :: Usually have buds set by the middle of September. Don't do any trimming after the middle of July. You can cut back any long shoots that form after that, but it may reduce the about of flowers.