How to Trim Evergreen Landscaping

Wait until early to mid spring to prune most evergreens. Pruning too soon could cause the new growth to form before the threat of frost has passed, and late pruning could cut off new growth and stunt the branches. However, prune broadleaf varieties such as azaleas and rhododendrons later in spring after flowering is complete.

Feed your evergreens with the appropriate fertilizer a few days to a week prior to pruning. This provides a dose of food to the plant at the same time you are encouraging new growth at the freshly trimmed areas, and it reduces stress on the plant.

Cut back any dead, damaged, rubbing or misshapen branches from the plants by clipping them as close to a fork as possible. Removing these branches enhances the look of the evergreen while also improving air circulation around and through the plant. For some evergreens, this may be the only pruning needed.

Consider the nature of the type of evergreen you are growing. While some evergreens form a tall, pyramid-like tree shape, others are meant to be bushy shrubs or creeping groundcover. Trim to encourage the natural shape of your variety of evergreen unless the plant is creating an obstruction such as blocking a doorway or extending over a sidewalk.

Make any necessary cuts to your plants by selecting the branch you want to cut and tracing it backward to a fork or “V” shaped crotch. Cut the branch away about a ¼ to 1/2 inch from the fork, with the cut running parallel to the direction of the healthy portion left intact. This masks the cut visually and allows new growth to occur at a point farther in on the plant.