Hand pruners are useful in removing a few stray branches.

Spring-flowering trees, shrubs, and vines should be pruned as soon as the flowers have faded. Spring-flowering plants form their flowers during the summer and fall.

Thus, summer, pruning trees shrubs and vines, or winter pruning will remove flower buds destroying the spring flowering display. Often, the flowers are the main reason for growing the plant. Flowering shrubs and vines produce more blossoms, fruit trees and berry patches yield more fruit, and hedges and evergreens remain full and well-shaped. Pruning Trees, Shrubs & Vines offers all the advice you need to start pruning fruit and shade trees, evergreens, grape vines, berry bushes, ornamental shrubs and vines, hedges, and roses like a professional.

You'll learn how, where, and when to prune /5(82). Pruning changes the form and growth of a plant.

For instance, flowering and fruiting plants prefer to be cut back in late winter or early spring to spur a hearty crop.

Pruning can also be considered preventive maintenance for both insect and disease damage. Many problems may be prevented by pruning correctly during the formative years for a tree or shrub. The late dormant season is the best time for most pruning.