One of the most frequently asked gardening questions when I’m out and about concerns when to prune trees and shrubs. As the season changes, cooler weather sparks an interest in pruning trees and shrubs. Many have asked if it’s OK to prune in late summer or early fall. The answer is yes, depending on the plants.

Contrary to popular belief, pruning can be done year-round if done correctly. Light, judicious pruning does not kill plants; however, pruning depends on the type of plant, the bloom period and other growth-related factors. Light judicious pruning is not the same as topping or severely pruning trees or shrubs. Spring-flowering shrubs may not bloom if severely pruned back in the late summer or early fall.

Low-lying tree limbs can be judiciously removed now to give easy access to mowers and other outdoor yardwork. Lightly pruning maple and birch trees in the fall is the best time of year because these trees bleed sap severely when pruned in late winter or early spring. Encore azaleas should be judiciously pruned in the spring after their first bloom. Pruning can be confusing with this type of azalea because the shrub generally blooms during spring and fall. Severely pruning evergreen hedges should be done in late March. Prune back tall roses, but not as severely as in March to keep winter wind from damaging plants. Most trees and shrubs tend to send out vegetative shoots during the summer months and can be effectively pruned to keep the desired shape of the plant.

For more detailed information, go to the N.C. State University website at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/general-pruning-techniques

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.