10 Plants That Need Pruning in the Spring

How to Prune Plants

Effective pruning depends on three things. Timing. Technique. And sharp tools for a crisp, clean cut that seals more quickly than a ragged cut.

Use hand pruners for stems less than 1/4-inch thick, loppers for stems up to 1/2-inch thick, and a Japanese pruning saw or a bow saw for woody stems thicker than that. Early spring is a good time to prune many plants because they are dormant and won’t lose energy-producing foliage.