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Making the Proper Cut

Early March is ideal for pruning trees and shrubs because the cuts can heal before pathogens become active in spring and summer. This is an especially good time to prune non-flowering deciduous shrubs and shade trees such as maples, oaks, and elms, as well as summer-flowering species such as Rose of Sharon, viburnums, and summersweet. It is also a fine time to prune needled evergreens.

If you never got around to pruning your bigleaf or oakleaf hydrangeas last year, however, don't do it now. Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), mountain hydrangea (H. serrata), and oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) all form flowers on last year's wood. You'll be taking off 2018's blossoms.

Also skip other spring-flowering species for now, such as azalea, rhododendron, magnolia, forsythia, chokeberry, and lilac. Prune these after they have finished flowering, usually by early June.

Uncertain about how to make a proper cut? Connecticut College Arboretum offers "The Art and Science of Pruning," a two-hour lecture and demonstration by pruning expert Jim Luce on Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. to noon, at New London Hall, Classroom 101, Connecticut College. Luce covers what, when, how, and why to prune. Visit www.conncoll.edu/the-arboretum/programs-and-activities or call 860-439-5020.