When Is the Best Time to Prune Evergreen Shrubs?

In general, the best time to prune evergreen shrubs is in mid to late spring, which puts you toward the end of dormancy and before the emergence of new growth. Pruning the evergreens at this time allows plenty of time for new growth to emerge, as well as plenty of time for these new shoots to harden off before the following winter.

Approaching pruning for different evergreen shrubs should vary, depending on the type of shrub. For example, broadleaf evergreen shrubs should be handled differently than flowering shrubs—for these, you will want to wait until after the flowering period to prune. There are also differences in pruning whorled branches (pines, spruces, firs, Douglas firs) and evergreens with random-branching patterns (yew, arborvitae, hemlock, cedar, juniper), since some of the randomly branching species can have new growth on both old- and new-wood branches.

It is essential to inform yourself as much as you can about the particular plant you have before you take that pair of pruners to it. Below, we describe the best method for pruning evergreen shrubs, from equipment needed to step-by-step instructions.

Tools and Materials Needed to Prune

For evergreen shrub pruning, you will want to be equipped with a pair of garden hand clippers or loppers. When dealing with hedges, use hedge trimmers for a natural look.

How to Prune Hedges to Retain Natural Shape

For evergreen shrubs that comprise hedges, prune mid-summer after new growth has emerged in spring. If the branches that you will be trimming are small enough, you can shear them off with a power tool known as a hedger.

Though many landscape designs include conical or specifically-trimmed hedges, evergreen hedges often look best and are at their healthiest when their natural shape is encouraged. Here is how to prune along the natural shape of your hedges.

1. Examine the branch structure of the plant. Knowing the growing direction will help you prune properly, and pruning should trim this natural shape down, not change it.
2. Cut overgrown branches in a criss-cross manner to ensure you are trimming in equal directions. Repeat this process across the plant until the branches have been shortened.
3. Make sure to take frequent breaks to examine the plant's shape and be sure it looks natural.

Step-By-Step for Pruning Evergreen Shrubs

How you do the actual pruning will depend partially on the bush and landscaping goals. But, the following tips can be used as general guidelines and modified as needed.

1. Avoid Pruning Broadleaf Evergreens

   As a general rule, you should not be pruning broadleaf evergreens heavily. Sometimes, they will need no pruning at all. Other times, pruning the tips of the branches lightly will be sufficient. Be careful to make your cut just above a leaf bud, so that you are not left with an unsightly stub.

2. Start By Shearing (Optional)

   Shearing can work for needled evergreen shrubs. Yew bushes, for example, you can shape and keep within certain dimensions by shearing it with a hedger.

   However, in most cases shearing is not as optimal as pruning, because it creates hard, unnatural angles that are difficult to maintain.

3. Remove Diseased Branches

   Feel free to take off diseased (or outright dead) branches at any time, whether on a needled or a broadleaf evergreen.

4. Trim Overgrown Branches

   When it is the right time to prune (see above), trim off any branch rubbing against another. Likewise, remove any branch "sticking out like a sore thumb"; such branches mar the appearance of the plant.