Get out into the garden and prune trees and shrubs for performance and aesthetics in Winter. There are several reasons to prune in winter, such as removing dead wood, shaping a tree or shrub while its frame is still visible before leaves emerge, or keeping the plant healthy.

Diseased or dead wood can be removed from any tree or shrub at this time. Winter is a great time to do so, as the foliage is not in the way. Prune the dead wood at a point where the branch meets a larger branch or stem. If the branch is partially dead or diseased, it is best to prune the entire branch. Old stems on a multi-stemmed shrub should be removed at the base of the plant.

Oaks should be pruned in February (in the Northern Hemisphere) rather than later, since the sap-eating beetles that spread the oak wilt virus are active starting in March. Some trees flower in spring, like dogwood, magnolia, red-bud, cherry, and pear. As with spring-flowering shrubs, these trees should not be pruned in winter since you will remove the buds that would otherwise light up your backyard in spring. Instead, prune these trees immediately after they bloom. Other trees to cut back in winter include evergreen varieties. While conifers require little trimming, it is sometimes necessary to remove the lowest branches to create access. Winter works well for this type of trimming.