When to prune hedges: privet, ligustrum, photinia, euonymus
Late winter, then light shearing through early summer. Shear the top slightly narrower than the base so light reaches the lower leaves.
| Type | shrub |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | foliage |
| Bloom season | n/a |
| When to prune | Late winter, then light shearing through early summer |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Shearing late in the season.
Also
No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | Feb 10–May 5 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | Feb 24–May 19 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | Mar 4–May 27 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | Mar 13–Jun 5 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | Apr 2–Jun 25 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | Feb 13–May 8 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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Sources
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture): Pruning Deciduous Shrubs
- University of Georgia Extension: B961: Pruning Ornamental Plants in the Landscape
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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