Prune Smart: Timing Is Everything
Late winter/early spring is perfect for most deciduous shrubs—remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, then thin out the oldest 1/3 of the canes right to the ground for better air flow and bigger flowers.
This works great for summer bloomers like butterfly bush (Buddleia), spirea, hydrangeas (panicle and smooth types), and roses. Cut them back hard to 2–3 buds on strong stems if you want compact, bushy growth.
When to Prune: Quick Reference
Prune NOW
Late Feb - Early Apr
Summer bloomers (flower on new growth):
- ✓ Butterfly Bush
- ✓ Spirea
- ✓ Panicle Hydrangea
- ✓ Roses
Wait Until AFTER Bloom
Right after flowers fade
Spring bloomers (buds already set):
- ⏸ Forsythia
- ⏸ Lilac
- ⏸ Rhododendron
- ⏸ Azalea
- ⏸ Camellia
Spring bloomers have next year's buds already formed—prune now and you'll cut off the flowers!
Important: Hold off on spring bloomers like forsythia, lilac, rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas till right after they flower—prune then so you don't cut off next year's buds.
For evergreens like boxwood or holly, a light shaping now keeps them tidy.
Make the Right Cut
❌ Too Close
Damages bud
✓ Perfect
¼" above bud, angled
❌ Too Far
Stub dies back
Cut at 45° angle, ¼" above an outward-facing bud
Feed Them Right
After pruning, give them a meal. Scatter a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (something like 10-10-10 or organic granular) around the drip line once you see new growth starting—usually mid-March to April. Water it in well.
Our Puyallup soils are often low in nutrients after winter rains, so this gives them the boost without burning roots.
Mulch the Right Way
Top it all off with 2–3 inches of fresh mulch (we carry great local options that won't float away in our rains). Pull it back a couple inches from the stems so it doesn't rot the crown.
Mulch keeps moisture even, cuts down weeds, and protects those shallow roots through our variable spring weather.
Mulch the Right Way
❌ Wrong: "Volcano Mulching"
Piled against trunk = rot & disease
✓ Right: "Donut" Shape
2-3" deep, pulled back 2-3" from stem
Quick Pest Check
Look for scale, aphids, or winter damage while you're out there. A strong blast of water or horticultural oil now takes care of most issues before they explode.
Pro Tip: While you're pruning, look at the overall shape. Step back every few cuts to make sure you're keeping a natural form—not a ball or box (unless that's what you want!).
The Bottom Line
Do these steps and your shrubs will explode with color and stay healthy all the way into fall.
Stop in at Todd's—we've got the sharp pruners, the right fertilizers, mulch by the yard or bag, and staff who know exactly what works on our South Sound shrubs. Bring a photo of your yard if you want specific advice!