When to Trim a Cranberry Tree

Trimming Time

• The recommended time to trim or prune the spring flowering shrubs like viburnum is right after the flowering is over in spring, cites the North Carolina State University Extension. The cranberry tree produces its flowers on the previous summer or fall buds. Trimming the plant in late summer, fall or winter removes the buds and affects flowering for the coming year. Avoid trimming after early July.

Trimming Method

• Viburnum species like the cranberry tree maintain their form with minimal pruning and trimming and do not need as heavy pruning as a number of other shrubs. Light use of hand pruning tools for slight shaping is all that is required. Cut the extended shoots to the nodes to help the buds form new shoots. Plant the cranberry tree in an open space according to mature plant size as this reduces the need for heavy, unnecessary pruning later.

Renewal Pruning

• Many multi-stemmed plants like viburnums benefit from renewal pruning or rejuvenation pruning. The need for renewal pruning arises when the old stems become very tall or crowded, leading to poor flower and fruit production. To perform renewal pruning, cut back the oldest and largest branches to the ground once every three to four years.

Corrective Pruning

• Corrective pruning or trimming may be done at any time of year. As the name suggests, this trimming is done to remove damaged, pest infested or diseased plant areas. The diseased areas are best removed as soon as possible to keep the infection from spreading. When trimming diseased areas, clean tool with household bleach or rubbing alcohol after making each cut to minimize chances of disease spreading to healthy plant areas.