Winter Pruning 101

In general the best time to prune is late winter when plants are dormant, just before new growth begins to emerge. Here in the Mid-Atlantic region dormant pruning is usually done six to 10 weeks before the average last frost. Without the leaves, you can easily see the branching structure of the shrub and decide what to cut.

General Cold Weather Pruning Tips

  • Avoid late winter pruning shrubs that bloom in the springtime. The best time to prune shrubs that flower early is after it finishes blooming and BEFORE it forms next year’s flower buds. 
  • Pruning too early in the winter can be detrimental, as newly cut surfaces can dry out if the temperature drops well below freezing. 
  • Choose a mild, dry day to prune. This will help prevent the spreading of waterborne plant diseases or damage from cold temperatures.
  • When pruning, first prune out dead and diseased branches, especially those damaged by the winter’s snow and ice. 
  • Remove overgrown and smaller branches to increase light and air at the crown of the tree.
  • In general, your goal is to keep the branches that develop or maintain the structure of the tree.
  • Cut branches at the node, the point at which one branch or twig attaches to another.
 

 

Tips on pruning Deciduous Shrubs

  • Bushes such as: beautyberry, butterfly bush, clethra, crapemyrtle, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), roses, and rose of Sharon are safe to prune in the late winter. Spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before Mid-June) should be pruned after flowering.
  • Shape barberry, dogwood, and deciduous holly as needed.
  • Wisteria: prune shoots down to three to five buds to encourage better blooming.
 

 

Tips on pruning Hedges

  • Formal hedges often require both a winter and mid-summer shaping, including plants like abelia, arborvitae, boxwood, euonymus, holly, and juniper.

 

Tips on pruning Evergreens

  • Prune most broadleaf evergreens now: abelia, boxwood, cleyera, elaeagnus, nandina, and holly. Wait until after flowering for spring bloomers.
  • Viburnums (both evergreen and deciduous) can be cut back hard to reduce size, but you will sacrifice flowers for the season. Wait until after flowering for light pruning.
  • Needled evergreens including arborvitae, juniper, and yews can be shaped in late winter. Take care not to cut back into old wood. Cone-bearing evergreens are pruned in June.
  • Unwanted lower branches on all evergreen shrubs and trees should also be removed in late winter.
February 24, 2021
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.