December is an ideal month for light pruning of certain shrubs. Avoid heavy cuts that could compromise spring blooms. Light pruning to shape and remove dead branches helps prevent cold and ice damage.

According to an old saying, if you’ve properly pruned your shrubs, they shouldn’t look pruned. That’s sage advice — unless, of course, you’re pruning shrubs to look like Donald Duck at Disney World.

After a long winter, there is an amazing amount of pruning to do. When to prune shrubs is determined by when they bloom. Shrubs that bloom in summer, anytime from June on, such as roses and hydrangeas ...

Prune shrubs in fall only after frost when they’ve gone dormant. Avoid heavy cuts early since fall pruning triggers new growth. Thin crowded or open shrubs to improve airflow and prevent winter damage ...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Rabbitbrush is an important late-season plant for pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife. This new queen will forage before finding overwintering ...