Virginia
Cooperative
Extension
Ornamentals
& Turf
REPRINTED 2001
PUBLICATION 430-461
* Extension Nursery Specialist and Research Specialist, respectively; Virginia Tech
Evergreen Tree Pruning Calendar
Bonnie Lee Appleton and Susan C. French*
Comments:
1.) Seldom needs pruning - remove multiple leaders, dead and broken branches
2.) Don’t prune into old wood having no leaves or needles
3.) Prune during growing season to make more compact or dense
4.) To avoid reducing berry production, don’t prune during bloom period
5.) Prune to prevent oak wilt infection
6.) Prune to remove cankers
7.) Flower buds set on previous season (old) wood; winter pruning will reduce spring flowering
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Exception: Timing varies across USDA climate zones - zones within Virginia range from 8a in the Virginia Beach area to 5b along the West Virginia border
A GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL PRUNING
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political
affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. J. David Barrett, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg;
Lorenza W. Lyons, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
VT/028/0901/2M/220895/430461
= Best ti