Category: Saralyn Wasserman

Pruning is one of the most useful skills a gardener can learn. Although cutting branches, stems, or leaves from a healthy plant can initially seem counterproductive, thoughtful pruning can help plants maintain an attractive form, remove damaged growth, and support healthy development over time.

Saralyn Wasserman emphasizes that the key is understanding that pruning should always have a purpose. Different plants respond differently to being cut back, and removing more growth is not necessarily better. Knowing why a plant needs pruning, choosing an appropriate time, and using the right technique can make a significant difference in the results.

Whether caring for shrubs, flowering plants, trees, or other garden favorites, gardeners can benefit from understanding a few basic pruning principles.

Why Do Garden Plants Need Pruning?

Plants grow naturally without human intervention, so pruning is not always necessary. In a home landscape, however, gardeners may want plants to remain within a particular area, develop a balanced shape, flower successfully, or coexist with nearby plants and structures. One of the most common reasons for pruning is managing size and shape. A shrub may begin growing across a walkway, for example, or branches may become crowded against a fence or neighboring plant. Selective pruning can help keep growth manageable without dramatically changing a plant’s natural appearance.

Pruning can also improve the overall structure of a plant. Removing branches that cross, rub against one another, or grow in undesirable directions can help create a more balanced framework. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends removing dead, damaged, crossing, and rubbing branches and emphasizes making proper cuts near the branch collar when pruning woody plants.[1] The goal generally is not to force every plant into a perfect geometric shape. Rather, gardeners should work with a plant’s natural growth habit and selectively remove growth that is damaged, overcrowded, poorly positioned, or unnecessary.

Removing Dead, Damaged, and Unhealthy Growth

One of the simplest reasons to prune is to remove growth that is no longer benefiting the plant. Branches and stems can become damaged by storms, wind, animals, landscaping equipment, cold temperatures, or other environmental conditions. Dead or broken branches may become structurally weak and eventually fall. Regularly inspecting garden plants gives gardeners an opportunity to identify these problems and remove damaged growth when appropriate. When pruning, branches that are clearly dead, broken, cracked, or severely damaged should be eliminated. Depending on the plant and circumstances, diseased growth may also need to be removed.

Gardeners should take additional precautions when disease is suspected. Pruning tools can transfer certain plant pathogens from one part of a plant to another or between plants. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach recommend disinfecting pruning tools when working with diseased plants and provides guidance on appropriate disinfecting methods.[2] Removing problematic growth can help gardeners maintain a stronger plant structure while reducing unnecessary damaged or diseased material.

Improving Airflow and Light

Dense growth is not always beneficial. In some cases, excessive interior growth can restrict airflow and prevent sunlight from reaching portions of a plant. Selective pruning can open crowded areas and allow air to circulate more freely between branches and leaves. Better circulation may also allow foliage to dry more efficiently after rain or watering, which can be useful for plants susceptible to diseases favored by persistently damp conditions.

Pruning can also allow additional light to reach interior growth. Instead of removing large portions of the plant, gardeners can selectively thin crowded branches while preserving its overall structure. Clemson Cooperative Extension explains that thinning cuts can be used to reduce excessive growth while maintaining a plant’s natural form. Thinning can also improve light penetration and air circulation within the canopy.[3]

It is still important not to remove excessive amounts of healthy foliage. Leaves perform photosynthesis, providing a plant with energy needed for growth and maintenance. Pruning should therefore be selective rather than unnecessarily aggressive.

Encouraging Healthy Development

Pruning can influence the way some plants develop. When certain stems or branches are removed, new growth may be directed toward other parts of the plant. Gardeners can use this response to encourage branching, maintain structure, or to rejuvenate certain established plants. Some shrubs benefit from renewal pruning, in which older stems are gradually removed to make room for younger growth. Other plants may require only occasional removal of damaged or poorly positioned branches.

Flowering plants deserve particular attention. Some shrubs produce flower buds on growth from the previous season, while others bloom on new growth produced during the current season. Pruning at the wrong time can unintentionally remove flower buds and reduce flowering. This is one reason identifying a plant before pruning is so important. Two shrubs growing next to each other may require very different care.

When Is the Best Time to Prune?

There is no universal pruning season that applies to every garden plant. The best timing depends on the species, its growth cycle, flowering habits, and the reason for pruning.

Late winter or early spring is commonly used for pruning many deciduous trees and shrubs while they are dormant or before substantial new growth begins. With fewer leaves present, gardeners may also find it easier to see branch structure and identify areas requiring attention.

Flowering shrubs require additional consideration. Some shrubs flower on what gardeners call “old wood,” meaning stems produced during the previous growing season. Others flower on “new wood” produced during the current season.

The University of Maryland Extension recommends considering flowering time when pruning shrubs. Spring-flowering shrubs generally form flower buds on growth from the previous year and are commonly pruned after flowering, while many summer-flowering shrubs bloom on current-season growth and can be pruned before that growth begins.[4]

Dead, damaged, or hazardous branches may require attention whenever they are discovered. Significant shaping or renewal pruning, however, should generally be planned according to the needs of the particular species.

Choosing the Right Pruning Tools

Good pruning begins with appropriate equipment. Hand pruners are useful for relatively small stems and branches. Loppers have longer handles and provide greater leverage for somewhat larger material, while pruning saws are designed for branches too large for ordinary hand pruners. Whatever tool is selected, it should be appropriate for the size of the branch being removed. Trying to force small hand pruners through a large woody branch can damage the tool, produce a poor cut, and increase the possibility of injury.

Sharp tools are also important. Clean, sharp blades generally make more precise cuts than dull equipment that crushes or tears plant tissue. Personal safety should remain a priority as well. Gloves and eye protection can be useful when working around thorny plants or sharp branches. Large trees, high branches, or limbs near buildings and utility lines may require professional attention rather than becoming a do-it-yourself pruning project.

How to Make Better Pruning Cuts

Before making the first cut, examine the entire plant. Start by identifying dead and damaged growth. Then look for crossing branches, crowded areas, awkward growth, or stems interfering with walkways and structures. This approach can help prevent unnecessary pruning. It is easy to continue cutting once the process begins, only to realize afterward that more material was removed than intended.

For trees and other woody plants, understanding the branch collar is particularly important. The branch collar is the area of tissue located where a branch connects with the trunk or a larger branch. Proper pruning generally involves cutting just outside this area rather than making a flush cut against the trunk. The International Society of Arboriculture explains that proper pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar and warns against practices such as leaving large stubs or making flush cuts that damage trunk tissue.[5] For larger branches, gardeners should also learn proper removal techniques so the weight of the branch does not tear bark as it falls.

Avoid Over-Pruning

One of the most common pruning mistakes is removing too much healthy growth at once. It can be tempting to keep cutting when trying to make a plant look perfectly even or compact. However, a heavily pruned plant loses foliage that it relies on for photosynthesis. Excessive pruning can also alter the natural appearance of a shrub or tree. Instead, pruning should generally be selective and deliberate. Step away periodically and examine the plant from different angles before deciding whether additional cuts are necessary.

Another common mistake is treating every plant as though it should have the same shape. Plants have different natural forms. A shrub with graceful, arching branches may lose much of its character if repeatedly sheared into a tight box. Understanding a plant’s mature size can reduce the need for corrective pruning as well. Selecting a plant that naturally fits the available space is usually easier than continually cutting back one that is too large for its location.

Know When a Plant Requires Special Treatment

Pruning recommendations can vary substantially among plant species. Some shrubs respond well to relatively extensive renewal pruning. Others should be pruned much more conservatively. Certain evergreens, for example, may not readily produce new growth after being cut back into older bare wood.

This is why gardeners should avoid assuming that a technique that worked well for one shrub will automatically be appropriate for another. Before making major changes to an unfamiliar plant, identify the species and learn about its mature size, natural growth pattern, flowering habits, and pruning tolerance. A few minutes of research before pruning can prevent mistakes that may take several growing seasons to correct.

Pruning as Part of Routine Garden Care

Pruning does not have to be an intimidating gardening task. At its most basic level, it involves observing plants and making thoughtful decisions about what growth should stay and what should go. Regular observation can also prevent pruning from becoming a major project. Removing an occasional damaged stem, correcting a crossing branch, or addressing unwanted growth early is often simpler than waiting until a plant becomes severely overgrown.

Most importantly, gardeners should remember that pruning requirements vary. Before significantly cutting back an unfamiliar tree, shrub, or flowering plant, identify it and learn about its specific growth and flowering habits. With a clear purpose, appropriate timing, proper tools, and careful technique, pruning can become a valuable part of maintaining a healthy and attractive garden. From removing damaged branches and improving airflow to managing size and encouraging balanced development, a few carefully considered cuts can help plants continue growing successfully for seasons to come.

Footnotes

1. University of Minnesota Extension, “Pruning Trees and Shrubs.” Guidance on reasons for pruning, removing damaged and crossing branches, pruning timing, and proper branch cuts.
   https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
2. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Cleaning and Disinfecting Pruning Tools for Orchard Crops.” Provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting pruning equipment to reduce the potential spread of plant pathogens.
   https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/cleaning-and-disinfecting-pruning-tools-orchard-crops
3. Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, “Pruning Shrubs.” Explains pruning methods, including thinning cuts and their role in improving light penetration, air circulation, and natural plant form.
   https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/pruning-shrubs/
4. University of Maryland Extension, “Pruning Shrubs and Hedges in the Home Garden.” Provides guidance on pruning timing for spring- and summer-flowering shrubs and explains how flowering habits affect when plants should be pruned.
   https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges-home-garden
5. International Society of Arboriculture, “Pruning Your Trees.” Covers proper pruning cuts, branch collars, branch removal, and pruning practices that can damage trees. https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Pruning%20Your%20Trees_0321.pdf

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[1]University of Minnesota Extension, “Pruning Trees and Shrubs.” Guidance on reasons for pruning, removing damaged and crossing branches, pruning timing, and proper branch cuts.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs

[2]Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Cleaning and Disinfecting Pruning Tools for Orchard Crops.” Provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting pruning equipment to reduce the potential spread of plant pathogens.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/cleaning-and-disinfecting-pruning-tools-orchard-crops

[3]Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, “Pruning Shrubs.” Explains pruning methods, including thinning cuts and their role in improving light penetration, air circulation, and natural plant form. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/pruning-shrubs/

[4]University of Maryland Extension, “Pruning Shrubs and Hedges in the Home Garden.” Provides guidance on pruning timing for spring- and summer-flowering shrubs and explains how flowering habits affect when plants should be pruned. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges-home-garden

[5]International Society of Arboriculture, “Pruning Your Trees.” Covers proper pruning cuts, branch collars, branch removal, and pruning practices that can damage trees.
https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Pruning%20Your%20Trees_0321.pdf

For gardeners, watching plants put out new leaves, produce flowers, and increase in size can be one of the most rewarding parts of caring for a garden. That visible growth makes it easy to associate new development with good health. When a plant suddenly stops growing, loses its leaves, or appears inactive for weeks or months, it can therefore seem as though something has gone wrong.

In many cases, however, a period of inactivity is completely normal. Plants have developed ways to respond to changing environmental conditions, and one of those strategies is dormancy. Saralyn Wasserman explains that, during dormancy, a plant temporarily reduces active growth, helping it survive during periods when conditions are less favorable.

Understanding dormancy can help gardeners distinguish between a plant following its natural seasonal cycle and one that may be struggling. It can also prevent common care mistakes, such as providing excessive water or fertilizer to a plant that simply needs time to rest.

What Is Plant Dormancy?

Plant dormancy is a temporary period during which growth and development slow considerably. Although a dormant plant may appear to be doing very little, it is not necessarily dead or unhealthy. Dormancy can occur in many types of plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and some plants grown indoors. The way it looks can vary considerably from one species to another. A deciduous tree may lose all of its leaves, while a perennial may die back almost completely above ground. Another plant may retain its foliage but produce little visible new growth for an extended period.

The University of New Hampshire Extension explains that dormancy is an important survival mechanism for many perennial plants, allowing them to withstand unfavorable winter conditions and resume growth when conditions improve.[1] The important distinction is that dormancy is generally temporary. What looks like inactivity above ground may be part of a normal life cycle rather than an indication that the plant has died.

Why Do Plants Become Dormant?

Plants constantly respond to conditions in their environment. Changes in daylight, temperature, and moisture can all influence growth. In temperate climates, many plants begin preparing for dormancy as the growing season comes to an end. Continuing to produce tender new leaves and stems shortly before freezing temperatures arrive could make a plant more vulnerable to cold damage. Instead, growth slows and the plant prepares for winter.

Dormancy is not exclusively associated with cold temperatures. Some plants are adapted to environments where drought or seasonal reductions in rainfall create periods that are unfavorable for active growth. In those circumstances, slowing growth can help plants survive until conditions become more favorable.

The U.S. Forest Service explains that deciduous trees undergo a series of physiological changes as daylight hours shorten and temperatures decline. These seasonal signals contribute to processes such as leaf color change, leaf drop, and preparation for winter dormancy.[2] For gardeners, this means a plant’s behavior should always be considered within the context of its environment and natural growth cycle.

What Does Dormancy Look Like?

One reason dormancy can concern gardeners is that its visible signs sometimes resemble plant decline. Deciduous trees and shrubs provide one of the most familiar examples. Leaves change color and fall as the growing season ends, leaving bare branches throughout winter. Despite appearances, living tissue remains within the plant, ready to support new growth when favorable conditions return.

Herbaceous perennials can look even more dramatic. Their above-ground stems and foliage may turn brown and die back completely. The roots, crowns, rhizomes, or other structures below the soil can remain alive, allowing new shoots to emerge during the next growing season. Bulbs provide another familiar example. Tulips, daffodils, and other bulb-producing plants can disappear after their foliage dies back, only to emerge again during the appropriate season.

Dormancy or seasonal slowing among indoor plants may be less obvious. Some houseplants simply produce fewer leaves or grow much more slowly during fall and winter. Recognizing these patterns can help gardeners avoid assuming that a lack of visible growth automatically signals poor health.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Plant Growth

Light is one of the most important environmental factors affecting plants. As the seasons change, both the length of the day and the intensity of available sunlight can change substantially. This matters even for plants growing indoors. A houseplant positioned near a window may receive significantly less light during winter than during summer. Indoor temperatures and humidity levels may also change as heating systems begin operating.

The University of Minnesota Extension notes that the growth of many houseplants slows considerably during winter because of lower light levels and shorter days. It recommends adjusting care to reflect these changing conditions rather than treating winter as though it were the peak growing season.[3] As a result, a houseplant that produced new foliage regularly during spring and summer may appear almost unchanged for weeks during winter. That slowdown does not automatically mean that the plant needs more fertilizer, water, or a larger pot.

Dormant and Slow-Growing Plants May Need Less Water

Watering is one area where understanding seasonal growth patterns becomes particularly important. An actively growing plant uses water as it develops new leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. When growth slows, water requirements may also decrease. Cooler temperatures and lower light levels can additionally cause potting mix to dry more slowly. Continuing to water according to a summer schedule may therefore result in overly wet soil for some plants.

Rather than watering strictly according to the calendar, gardeners should pay attention to soil conditions and the needs of the individual species. Some plants should be allowed to dry to a particular degree before receiving additional water, while others prefer more consistent moisture. Dormancy does not mean that every plant should receive no water at all. Roots and other living tissues may still require moisture even when very little is happening above ground. The goal is to adjust to care appropriately rather than automatically maintaining the same routine throughout the year.

Fertilizer Usage During Periods of Slow Growth

A plant that is not producing new leaves may tempt a gardener to reach for fertilizer. If growth has stopped, providing additional nutrients can seem like an obvious solution.

However, fertilizer cannot force a plant out of its natural seasonal cycle. Many plants make the greatest use of supplemental nutrients during periods of active growth. When growth slows considerably, their fertilizer requirements change as well.

The University of Maryland Extension advises reducing or stopping fertilization of many houseplants during fall and winter when growth slows because of lower light levels. Fertilizing plants that are not actively growing can contribute to an accumulation of fertilizer salts in the potting medium.[4] Because fertilizer needs differ between species, gardeners should research the requirements of individual plants rather than assuming that a lack of new growth indicates a nutrient deficiency.

Dormancy Versus an Unhealthy Plant

Although dormancy is normal, not every plant that stops growing is dormant.

Growth can slow due to insufficient light, inappropriate watering, pest problems, disease, root damage, extreme temperatures, or other environmental stressors. Context is therefore important. Gardeners should start by considering the time of year and the plant’s normal growth cycle. Understanding whether the species is known to lose its foliage during winter, or whether the plant slowed down at a similar time in previous years can facilitate a better understanding of a plant’s life cycle.

Once gardeners identify their plant’s species, they can research its natural seasonal behavior and determine whether a period of inactivity can be expected. Upon examination, unusual spotting, extensive pest activity, soft or decaying stems, and other abnormal changes may warrant closer investigation.

Avoid Trying to Force New Growth

When a plant appears dormant, patience can be one of the most useful gardening skills.

Adding extra water, fertilizer, heat, or making unnecessary environmental changes in an attempt to produce immediate growth can sometimes create more problems than solutions. Dormancy is an adaptation rather than a failure to grow. A plant may be protecting sensitive tissues, conserving stored resources, or simply waiting for environmental conditions that favor renewed growth.

Gardeners should be cautious about immediately discarding outdoor plants that appear lifeless during winter. A perennial that looks like little more than dried stems in January may still have a living root system below the soil. Learning the normal growth cycle of each species makes it easier to determine when patience is appropriate or when a plant requires intervention.

What Happens When Dormancy Ends?

As environmental conditions become favorable again, dormant plants can transition back into active growth. For many plants in temperate climates, increasing temperatures and longer days are important parts of this seasonal transition. Buds begin to swell, new leaves appear, and stems start growing. Perennials may send new shoots through soil, while bulbs produce fresh foliage and eventually flowers. Michigan State University Extension explains that plants respond to environmental cues as they move into and out of dormancy, with factors such as exposure to cold temperatures and subsequent warming helping to regulate the transition toward spring growth.[5]

The process is not necessarily immediate. One plant may begin growing weeks before another, even when they occupy the same garden. As growth resumes, gardeners can gradually adjust their care routines. Plants may begin using water more rapidly, while some may benefit from appropriately timed fertilization, pruning, repotting, or other types of seasonal maintenance. Watching the plant itself rather than relying solely on a calendar can help gardeners recognize when active growth has truly returned.

Learning to Appreciate a Plant’s Natural Cycle

Successful gardening is not always about encouraging plants to grow as quickly as possible. It is also about understanding their natural rhythms. Periods of vigorous growth, flowering, seed production, leaf loss, and dormancy can all be normal parts of a plant’s life cycle. A garden that appears quiet during one season may simply be preparing for another. Understanding dormancy can make plant care less confusing. Instead of immediately assuming something is wrong when growth slows, gardeners should consider the season, environmental conditions, and natural habits of the species.

Most importantly, dormancy demonstrates how closely plant development is connected to the surrounding environment. Changes in daylight, temperature, and moisture can influence when plants grow and when they reduce their activity. For gardeners, learning to recognize these cycles encourage a more thoughtful approach to plant care. Sometimes the appropriate response to a plant that has stopped growing is not to encourage additional growth at all. Providing suitable conditions and allowing the plant to follow its natural cycle may be exactly what it needs. What appears to be a plant doing nothing may be an important period of rest and preparation for the growing season ahead.

Footnotes

1. University of New Hampshire Extension, “Overwintering Perennials.” Discusses winter dormancy in perennial plants and how dormancy helps plants survive unfavorable seasonal conditions.
   https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/11/overwintering-perennials
2. U.S. Forest Service, “Science of Fall Colors.” Explains how shorter days and changing temperatures influence deciduous trees as they prepare for winter, including changes associated with leaf color and leaf drop.
   https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/fall-colors/science-of-fall-colors
3. University of Minnesota Extension, “Winter Houseplant Tips.” Discusses how shorter days and lower winter light levels affect houseplant growth and why seasonal care adjustments may be necessary. https://extension.umn.edu/about/our-stories/news/winter-houseplant-tips
4. University of Maryland Extension, “Indoor Plant Care.” Provides guidance on seasonal houseplant care, including reducing fertilization when plants are growing slowly and avoiding fertilizer salt buildup. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/indoor-plant-care
5. Michigan State University Extension, “Winter Dormancy and Chilling in Woody Plants.” Explains how environmental conditions, including cold exposure and subsequent warming, influence dormancy and the return of spring growth in woody plants.
   https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/winter_dormancy_and_chilling_in_woody_plants

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[1]University of New Hampshire Extension, “Overwintering Perennials.” Discusses winter dormancy in perennial plants and how dormancy helps plants survive unfavorable seasonal conditions.
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/11/overwintering-perennials

[2]U.S. Forest Service, “Science of Fall Colors.” Explains how shorter days and changing temperatures influence deciduous trees as they prepare for winter, including changes associated with leaf color and leaf drop. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/fall-colors/science-of-fall-colors

[3]University of Minnesota Extension, “Winter Houseplant Tips.” Discusses how shorter days and lower winter light levels affect houseplant growth and why seasonal care adjustments may be necessary. https://extension.umn.edu/about/our-stories/news/winter-houseplant-tips

[4]University of Maryland Extension, “Indoor Plant Care.” Provides guidance on seasonal houseplant care, including reducing fertilization when plants are growing slowly and avoiding fertilizer salt buildup. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/indoor-plant-care

[5]Michigan State University Extension, “Winter Dormancy and Chilling in Woody Plants.” Explains how environmental conditions, including cold exposure and subsequent warming, influence dormancy and the return of spring growth in woody plants. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/winter_dormancy_and_chilling_in_woody_plants