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How To Prune Evergreen Trees

How and when is the best time to prune (trim) evergreen trees?

The best time varies, depending on which type of evergreen (conifer) that you want to trim.

Spruces, firs, and douglas firs do not grow continuously, but can be pruned any time because they have lateral (side) buds that will sprout if the terminal (tip) buds are removed. It's probably best to prune them in late winter, before new growth begins. Some spring pruning, however, is not harmful.

To prune spruces and firs, snip off about half of the tip on new bud growth. Removing half of the new bud growth will cause the tree to not grow at that point until the following year while the remainder of the tree continues to grow. With this practice, you can actually shape or train the tree shape and cause the tree to become more dense.

Pines only put on a single flush of tip growth each spring and then stop growing. Prune pines in late spring before these "candles" of new needles become mature. Pines do not have lateral buds, so completely removing terminal buds will take away new growing points for that branch. Eventually, this will leave dead stubs.

Pines seldom need pruning, but if you want to promote more dense growth, remove up to two-thirds of the length of newly expanded candles. Do not prune further back than the current year's growth. With this practice, you can actually shape or train the tree shape and cause the tree to become more dense.

Arborvitae, junipers, yews, and hemlocks grow continuously throughout the growing season. They can be pruned any time through the middle of summer. Even though these plants will tolerate heavy shearing, their natural form is usually most desirable, so prune only to correct growth defects.

Chester County Norway Spruce

Chester County Ponderosa Pine

Chester County Red Pine