5 Rules for Pruning Before Bud Break

Prune while the plant is still dormant Cut before buds swell or green tips appear. Once leaves unfurl, stop — that new growth carries this year’s flowers and energy.

Use renewal pruning for overgrown shrubs For lilac, forsythia, or spirea, remove the oldest, thickest stems at ground level. Take up to a third of the plant and leave the healthy young canes.

Prune trees when they are bare Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Skip oaks until late fall to avoid oak wilt.

Stop cutting once you see green Cutting into new growth will cost you blooms and stress the plant. If leaves are out, put the pruners away.

Wait if you missed the window Prune spring bloomers right after flowering, or leave it for next dormant season. One hack: you can still prune after leaves emerge if you only remove dead wood.