How (and When!) to Prune Your Evergreens
Evergreens are the reliable backbone of the garden—green through winter, low-maintenance, and always looking good. But even the most easygoing evergreens need a little trimming from time to time! Whether you’ve got boxwoods, yews, arborvitae, or spruce, a little pruning can help keep them healthy, shapely, and thriving.
Here’s everything you need to know to prune with confidence:
Why Prune Evergreens?
Shape it up: Keep shrubs looking tidy, symmetrical, or topiary-level fabulous.
Encourage healthy growth: Remove dead or damaged branches to keep plants strong.
Manage size: Prevent shrubs from outgrowing their space (or eating your walkway!).
Boost air circulation: Less crowding = less risk of pests or disease.
When Should You Prune?
Early August is the best time for most evergreens—after new growth is hardened and after the heat of the summer.
Avoid fall pruning! Fresh cuts can stimulate new growth, which might not harden off before winter.
Light touch-ups (like removing a stray branch) can be done almost anytime.
Tips by Type
Needle-Type Evergreens (like Pine, Spruce, Fir):
Only prune new growth (the soft, light green tips—aka "candles").
Don’t cut back into old wood—these won’t regrow.
Arborvitae, Yews, and Boxwood:
These tolerate heavier pruning and can be shaped more easily.
Avoid cutting too far into the brown, leafless interior—new growth won’t fill in.
Junipers:
Prune selectively—like arborvitae, they won’t grow back from old wood.
Focus on shaping and thinning, not deep cutting.
The Right Tools Make All the Difference
Good tools = clean cuts and happy plants. We carry sharp, quality pruners, loppers, and shears perfect for evergreen maintenance. Not sure what you need? Come in and chat with our team—we’ll help you find the right tool for your plant and your hand.
Pro Tips from the Professionals:
Always clean your pruners before and after use (hello, rubbing alcohol!)
Stand back often to check the shape as you go—less is more!
Don’t worry about perfection—plants are forgiving, and you’ll learn as you go.
When in doubt… ask us! Bring a photo, branch sample, or your pruning questions—we’re always happy to help.
Let’s Get Snipping!
Whether you’re refining a formal hedge or just giving your juniper a summer refresh, pruning your evergreens is a great way to stay connected to your garden. Stop by the garden center for tools, tips, and advice—we’ll get you growing with confidence!