Winter Pruning Schedule for Trees and Shrubs

Maple, birch, elm: Mid to late winter (January–February)
Oak: December–February only (prevents oak wilt beetles)
Fruit trees: Late February before bud swell; open canopy for light
Stone fruits: Late winter; open-center or vase shape

By James Wilson · October 7, 2026

Why Prune in Winter?

Dormant-season pruning offers clear branch visibility, faster wound healing in spring, and reduced risk of disease transmission.

For branches over 1.5 inches: undercut 6–12 inches from trunk, top cut beyond that, then final cut just outside the branch collar.

Spring-flowering shrubs on old wood (forsythia, lilac, azalea, bigleaf hydrangea) — prune after flowering instead.