TO PRUNE OR NOT TO PRUNE....
Most spring flowering shrubs set buds on the growth of the previous season. For this reason, they should not be pruned in early spring. Wait until immediately after flowering so as not to eliminate this year's blooms. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, andromeda, forsythia, and lilac are all included in this group.
Conifers can be cut back ant time the wood is not frozen. It should be noted that early spring pruning of conifers and non-flowering evergreens may require additional pruning after new growth appears.
Hydrangeas can cause some confusion when it comes to pruning. Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata bloom on last year's growth. These should be pruned immediately after flowering. Included in this group is the popular Nikko Blue.
Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangea paniculata, and Hydrangea quercifolia bloom on the growth of the current season and can be pruned from fall through spring before the leaves come out.
