A Guide to Successful Pruning, Evergreen Tree Pruning Calendar
Authors: Bonnie Lee Appleton, Extension Nursery Specialist, Virginia Tech; Susan C. French, Research Specialist, Virginia Tech
Publication Number: 430-461, posted June 1998 
Evergreen Tree Pruning Calendar
Legend:
* = Best time to prune
x = Do not prune except to correct damage, hazards, or structural defects
– = Timing is not critical
Comments
- Seldom needs pruning – remove multiple leaders, dead and broken branches
- Don’t prune into old wood having no leaves or needles
- Prune during growing season to make more compact or dense
- To avoid reducing berry production, don’t prune during bloom period
- Prune to prevent oak wilt infection
- Prune to remove cankers
- Flower buds set on previous season (old) wood; winter pruning will reduce spring flowering
Evergreen Tree Pruning Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborvitae | * | * | – | – | * | * | * | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2 |
| Atlas Cedar | * | * | – | – | – | – | x | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2 |
| Deodar Cedar | * | * | – | – | * | * | x | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2,3 |
| Chamaecyparis | * | * | – | – | – | – | x | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2 |
| Fir | * | * | – | – | – | – | x | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2 |
| Hemlock | – | – | – | * | * | * | * | x | x | x | – | – | 1,2,3 |
| Holly (Evergreen) | * | * | – | x | x | x | – | x | x | x | * | * | 4 |
| Juniper/Red Cedar | * | * | – | – | – | – | – | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2 |
| Leyland Cypress | * | * | – | – | – | – | * | x | x | x | * | * | 1,2,6 |
| Magnolia, Southern | * | * | x | x | x | x | x | x | – | – | * | * | 1,7 |
| Oak, Live | * | * | – | x | x | x | x | x | – | – | * | * | 1,5 |
| Pine | – | – | – | * | * | * | x | x | x | – | – | – | 1,2,3 |
| Spruce | – | – | – | – | * | * | x | x | x | – | – | – | 1,3 |
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