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Know When & How To Cut Back Plants

Knowing when and how to cut back plants depends on the type of plant you’re dealing with and its growth cycle. Here are a few general guidelines:

1. Look for Dead or Damaged Growth – At Any Time Throughout the Season

  • When to Cut Back: Trim off any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant. This helps improve air circulation, encourages new growth, and keeps the plant healthy.
  • How to Do It: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the affected parts. Cut back to just above a healthy bud or growth point.

2. Dormant Period (For Perennials)

  • When to Cut Back: Many perennials go dormant in the winter, so we like to cut them back in the late fall. Typically, after the first frost, the plant stops growing. Although, there are some perennials that we recommend tending to in the spring. Some of these perennials include Coral Bells, Hosta, Lungwort and Asters. I know, we break the rules! The reason for leaving some more tender plants until spring is because the leaves die in late fall/early winter and protect the crown of the plant throughout cold winter months. In the spring, just as new growth emerges, is when we remove the dead leaves from the season prior. 
  • How to Do It: Cut the plant down to the ground or leave a few inches above the soil level, depending on the species. Or only remove the dead leaves. For some plants, like ornamental grasses, you can leave the dried stems for winter interest before cutting them back in early spring. This is a favorite of ours, we love leaving grasses until spring time. As soon as you see green at the base of the plant, it’s time to cut the dead off. But don’t wait too long. Waiting until there’s quite a bit of green and new growth at the base to cut back, could stunt the growth of the grass for the current season. 

3. Before New Growth Starts (For Shrubs and Trees)

  • When to Cut Back: Late winter or early spring, before the plant starts producing new growth, is often a good time to prune shrubs and trees. This helps remove old wood and encourages better overall growth. BUT….there are some shrubs that bloom on old wood, so it’s best to wait until after the shrub has bloomed in the spring to prune. Some of these include Forsythia, some varieties of Hydrangea, Rose of Sharon and Butterfly Bush. Also, flowering ornamental trees should be pruned after flowering, if needed. 
  • How to Do It: Trim back any dead, damaged, or crossed branches and shape the plant for optimal growth.

4. After Flowering (For Flowering Plants)

  • When to Cut Back: If you’re growing flowering plants, especially annuals or some perennials, you may want to deadhead (remove spent flowers) during the growing season to encourage more blooms.  For some of our own annuals, we trim back mid-season, to encourage new growth that lasts through fall. A couple examples are Coleus and Petunias.  
  • How to Do It: Cut just above the first set of healthy leaves or buds after a flower has faded. For some plants, you can also prune them back slightly after blooming to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.

5. Overgrown Plants (e.g., Vines)

  • When to Cut Back: You can prune these in early spring or late fall, depending on the plant’s growth habits.
  • How to Do It: Cut back any long, straggly vines, keeping the plant’s natural shape in mind. For very vigorous growers, like ivy or wisteria, you might need to prune them more regularly to keep them under control.

Signs It’s Time to Cut Back:

  • Sparse or Leggy Growth: If a plant is getting too tall and leggy with very little growth at the base, it could be a sign it needs a trim to encourage fuller growth.
  • Pests or Disease: If you notice signs of pests or disease, cutting back the affected areas can help prevent it from spreading.
  • General Overgrowth: When the plant becomes too large for its space or shape, it’s a good time for cutting back to maintain its health and aesthetic.

Following these easy tips will help ensure you have a happy and healthy landscape, plus it’s fun! Are you dealing with a specific plant you’re unsure about trimming? Give us a call, we provide spring and fall cleanup services and can take the guesswork out of pruning for you!

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