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The days are getting longer and its starting to feel more believable that spring is around the corner.

As with all pruning, verify youre using sharp and clean shears to make your cuts.

Plants to prune in March

Since this species flowers in late winter and early spring, it is a good candidate for March pruning.

Simply wait for the last of the blooms to die off and then step in with your shears.

First, prune away branches in poor condition, whether through age, disease or damage.

Deadheading a phlox paniculata with pruning shears

Finally, it’s possible for you to make additional cuts to establish your preferred shape.

Wait until after the last frost in your area and then take your shears to the plants.

In some cases, you may just want to prune back older growth and remove any crossing branches.

Forsythia

This will ensure that any grape clusters are still well-aerated and therefore less vulnerable to mold or disease.

Only the perennials will need pruning but they really do need it.

The goal is to maximize the amount of healthy new wood and therefore the amount of flowers you get.

Plants to prune in March Winter-Flowering Viburnum

Since the shrub is fast-growing, dont be concerned about it looking too short or small at this point.

These high-quality, Swiss-made pruners have a hardened steel blade capable of cutting 0.8 inches of material.

The smooth, red handle is ergonomically designed to provide comfort while cutting.

White flowering dogwood tree

These pruners are ideal for medium-sized hands.

Gardeners also like this plant for its intensely-hued foliage, which ranges from yellow to red to purple.

Smoke bush doesnt require annual pruning, but might benefit from shaping since it can otherwise grow quite leggy.

Grapes on the vine

For a bushier shape, cut all branches by several inches to maintain a more compact shape.

Where possible, avoid removing any wood that still holds buds.

Flowering quince doesnt need annual pruning, so this is mostly done to help maintain shape.

Plants to prune in March Lavatera

Felco F6 Bypass pruners

Plants to prune in March Smoke Bush

Plants to prune in March Flowering Quince

FELCO 6 ELITE

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Dahlia

colorful flowers to plant in April

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