According to the experts in arboriculture and Cornell cooperative extension, the best time to prune trees, especially deciduous trees, is between president’s day (February 20th) and tax day (April 15th).
There are several reasons for this and the most important is that the trees can heal quickly when pruning is completed, while they are dormant, and before they begin to leaf out. Another important reason is that a tree company, or you, can see all the branches and can selectively remove dead, damaged or overlapping limbs. Other plants that require pruning are evergreens, broad-leaved evergreen shrubs and smaller woody plants. Pruning trees and plants requires a real understanding of the plants to be pruned. Pruned the wrong way or at the wrong time, damages the plant and can cause the stress. Knowing which plants flower and when is vital to a great looking garden. Rhododendrons can be pruned at any time and dead heading flowers will improve next year’s abundance. Hydrangeas should not be pruned except to remove dead wood. 
If you plan to hire a tree company to prune your trees, and I recommend that you do, then please hire a professional tree company with proper licenses and certifications. Check with the Long Island Arbor culture association for a qualified company in your local. Tree work is dangerous business and should be left to experts. For your maintenance of smaller plants and trees then hire a local landscape maintenance company with experience, licensing, and certifications. The Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association has a list of qualified companies in your town. Remember that the work put into your landscape now will reward you this spring and summer!
Early Spring (March-April)
Plant : Ornamental grasses, trim as close to the ground as possible!
Early Spring (March-April)
Plant: Semiwoody perennials (butterfly bush, Russian sage). Cut these back to about 4″ to create strong new stems.
Early Spring (March-April)
Plant : Broad-leaved evergreens (boxwood, holly firethorn). Prune out stems with winter-injured foliage.
Early Spring (March-April)
Plant : Summer-flowering trees, shrubs, roses and hydrangea. Remove dead or damaged stems, shape and/or reduce size if preferred.
If you require assistance or would like to discuss any of the above, please do not hesitate to call us at (631) 423-2211 or visit our website at www.rainrich.com.
33 days until Spring !!!
