Gardener trimming a tree branch with pruning shears for softscape landscaping in Middleton, WI

What is Winter Pruning? How to Care for Your Trees and Shrubs in Wisconsin

What is Winter Pruning? How to Care for Your Trees and Shrubs in Wisconsin

Winter is a critical time for tree and shrub maintenance, offering unique opportunities to enhance their health and structure. At Carrington Lawn & Landscape, we understand the importance of winter pruning and how it can benefit your landscape. But what is winter pruning exactly, and why is it so essential? In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, best practices, and timing of winter pruning to help ensure your trees and shrubs thrive throughout the year.

Understanding Winter Pruning

Winter pruning is the process of trimming trees and shrubs during their dormant season. In Wisconsin, this period lasts from December to March, with February and March being ideal. Dormancy allows for safe pruning without interrupting active growth, minimizing stress on plants while enhancing their structure. During this time, it’s easier to view a plant’s branching structure and remove dead, diseased, or rubbing branches to prevent pest infestations and diseases.

When and How to Prune Trees and Shrubs

Deciduous Trees Tree bark that is in need of softscape landscaping with frost crack damage in Middleton, WI

Late winter, particularly February and March, is the best time to prune deciduous trees like maples and oaks. At this time:

  • Trees have the most energy reserves, promoting faster recovery and growth.
  • Pruning cuts are less likely to desiccate (dry out), reducing stress on the tree.
  • Trunks exposed to sunlight by removing canopy shade are less likely to incur damage from prolonged exposure.

When pruning, focus on removing dead, diseased, rubbing, or damaged branches. Always make clean cuts outside the branch collar to promote proper healing. While leaving deadwood in a forested area can benefit wildlife, it’s not ideal in urban settings due to safety risks and potential pest infestations.

Evergreens

Evergreens like pines, spruces, and firs don’t fully go dormant during winter. Avoid pruning them early in the dormant season, as it can lead to desiccation and winter burn. If pruning is necessary, wait until late winter or early spring before new growth hardens. Be cautious not to remove terminal buds, as these are essential for future growth. For smaller plants, you can pinch new growth by hand, though this method can be time-consuming.

Flowering Shrubs

Pruning shrubs depends on their blooming habits:

  • Old-wood Bloomers: Shrubs like Forsythia (Forsythia spp.), Lilac (Syringa spp.), Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), and certain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) that bloom on old wood fall under the category of old-wood blooming shrubs. These plants produce flowers from buds that were formed during the previous growing season. Pruning them in winter removes these flower buds, resulting in little to no blooms during the following season. Instead, prune them right after their blooms fade during the growing season.
  • New-wood Bloomers: Shrubs such as Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea arborescens, butterfly bushes (Buddleja spp.), and certain rose varieties (Rosa spp.) produce flowers on growth from the current season. The ideal time to prune them is in late winter or early spring, as this encourages healthy new growth that will bloom during the growing season. Prune away deadwood and shape the plant to maintain its structure, ensuring vibrant blooms.

Tools and Safety Tips for Winter PruningA small tree covered in snow with dried flower heads in Middleton, WI

Essential Tools

Prepare the following tools to ensure precision and efficiency:

  • Hand pruners and loppers for small branches.
  • Hand saws for medium-sized cuts.
  • Chainsaws and pole saws for large or high branches
  • Gas-powered hedgers for shaping shrubs.

Keep tools sharp and clean to prevent damage to plants.

Safety Precautions

  • Dress in Layers: Opt for thin, adjustable layers to stay warm.
  • Non-Slip Footwear: Essential for icy conditions.
  • Inspect Equipment: Ensure all tools are in good condition before use.

Preventing Winter Damage

Using proper pruning techniques is key to minimizing winter damage. Over-pruning during this season can expose tree trunks to excessive sunlight, which increases the risk of frost cracks. To avoid this, limit pruning to only what’s necessary, focusing on the removal

Carrington Lawn & Landscape team member in a process of tree pruning softscape landscaping in Middleton, WI

of dead, damaged, or diseased branches rather than excessive thinning.

Winter damage like sunscalds occurs when tree bark warms during sunny days and freezes rapidly as temperatures drop – the moisture brought toward the surface by heat expands when frozen, causing the bark to split. Protect young or thin-barked trees by using wraps or shields to buffer temperature fluctuations. Additionally, avoid pruning late in the growing season, such as in November, as this can reduce a plant’s cold hardiness and leave it more vulnerable to winter damage.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help your trees and shrubs endure winter conditions more effectively.

Call Carrington Lawn & Landscape for All Your Landscape Needs

Winter pruning is essential for the health and beauty of your trees and shrubs. With proper timing, tools, and techniques, you can set your garden up for success in the spring. Need expert help? Contact Carrington Lawn & Landscape for professional pruning services tailored to Middleton’s climate.

What is Winter Pruning? How to Care for Your Trees and Shrubs in Wisconsin
- Date Published: 2025-01-10