Pick a plant for its pruning window, what to cut, and the caution that matters most. Timings follow standard old-wood/new-wood rules.
Pick a plant and get the right pruning window, what to cut, and the one mistake to avoid. Timing follows the old-wood / new-wood rule used in standard Extension guidance.
How it’s figured
The core rule: plants that bloom on old wood (last year’s growth) get pruned right after flowering; plants that bloom on new wood get pruned in late winter before growth starts. Fruit trees are pruned dormant in late winter with a few disease-driven exceptions. Dates shift with your climate and variety — your local Extension office can confirm timing for your area.