Conifers are generally known for being tough-as-nails, but when it comes to pruning, they can be a little sensitive. Unlike some leafy trees that bounce back from a heavy chop, evergreens need a gentler touch. To keep your conifers looking vibrant and healthy for years to come, you’ll want to be strategic with your shears.
Different Ways to Prune
There are a few different reasons you might need to trim your conifers. The most common types of cuts include:
- Maintenance pruning
- Shape pruning (especially for hedges)
- Pruning for propagation
- Corrective pruning for pests or disease
Maintenance Pruning
Think of this as a “clean-up” for your tree. During maintenance pruning, you’ll want to clear out any old, damaged, or dead branches. It’s also a good idea to thin out areas where branches are growing too densely or crossing over each other.
Shape Pruning
Some evergreens are perfect for creating privacy hedges. To keep that clean, manicured look, you’ll need to give them a regular trim. Just focus on clipping back the stray shoots that are poking out past the desired shape of your hedge.
Pruning for Propagation
Want more plants for free? Most conifers are easy to propagate using cuttings. Simply snip off a healthy shoot from the mother plant and start it in a nursery pot to grow a brand-new tree.
Pruning for Pests and Disease
If you spot pests or disease, a quick trim can stop the problem from spreading. Be sure to remove all affected parts of the plant immediately. Pro tip: Dispose of these branches in the regular trash or burn them. Never put diseased wood in your compost pile, or you might accidentally spread the infection throughout your whole garden!
A Few Helpful Tips
Before you grab your garden shears, keep these golden rules in mind:
- Never cut back into the “brown wood.” Only trim the green, leafy growth.
- Avoid radical “hard” pruning; conifers don’t recover well from a major hack-job.
- Don’t cut the main central leader or top the tree.
When is the Best Time to Prune?
Generally speaking, the best time to prune your conifers is in the summer, usually around mid-to-late July. Pine trees are the exception to the rule—they prefer a spring trim, with May being the sweet spot.
Also, keep your local wildlife in mind! It’s important to avoid heavy pruning during bird nesting season. In many areas, major cutting is restricted between March 1st and September 30th to protect nesting birds. However, light maintenance and “touch-up” trims are usually fine year-round, as long as you aren’t disturbing any feathered friends.
