Shakespeare once wrote that “timing is everything”, and I wouldn’t question the Bard on this point when it comes to pruning. When to prune is as important as, if not more important than, tools and techniques.
Is pruning in December a good idea? It all depends on which plants you are thinking of trimming back. Light pruning of roses in December is great. Pruning trees in December is good for some trees, bad for others. We’ll make it easier for you by setting out the best and worst things to trim as the calendar year comes to an end.
Plants to Prune in December
December might seem like a quiet month in the garden, but a handful of plants actually benefit from a winter trim. Pruning these now sets them up for healthier growth next year and helps keep your garden looking tidy through the cold months.
1. Deciduous Trees
While evergreen trees – like pine or holly – keep their foliage all year long, deciduous trees do not. They lose their leaves in autumn, sometimes after a fiery fall display. They then enter into a period of dormancy, when upward growth pauses, and the plant essentially snoozes its way through the cold season. In spring, new leaves bud and eventually foliage fills the canopy.
The best time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs is while they are dormant. Since they are not actively growing, a dormant pruning does not slow the tree down or damage its health. Late winter and early spring are considered the best moments to do serious pruning. But if a deciduous tree is completely dormant in December, you can consider pruning species like oak, beech, and hawthorn.
Note that there are several exceptions, including deciduous trees that bloom in spring and varieties that bleed when trimmed, like maples and birches.
When pruning trees, it can be difficult to reach high branches, but telescopic pruners, like the Fiskars 2-in-1 Extendable Tree Pruner and Pole Saw, available on Amazon, make the job so much easier.
2. Deciduous Shrubs
The line between trees and shrubs is fuzzy – it can depend on the person evaluating the issue. You often see a 9-or-12-foot (3-4m) plant described as a “tall shrub or small tree.” But when it comes to December pruning, the label doesn’t really matter. Shrubs that lose their leaves in winter can be pruned in December if fully dormant – and shrubs are more likely than trees to be completely dormant as the calendar year ends.
The spring-flowering exception mentioned in the deciduous tree section also applies to shrubs. If a shrub flowers in spring, don’t prune in December or you’ll deprive yourself of those blooms. Pick up the pruner for these when the flowers die back.
A good pair of bypass pruners, like the Haus & Garten ClassicPRO 8.5" Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears, from Amazon, are the best tool for the job here.
3. Most Fruit Trees
Deciduous trees include many fruit trees, like apple, peach, pear, plum, persimmon, and cherry. These are fruit trees that lose their leaves in fall and go dormant for the winter. I’ve given them a separate section since we all know that pruning fruit trees is considered an art rather than a task.
Despite this distinction, the timing for pruning deciduous fruit trees is the same as for pruning other deciduous trees. Prune while the tree is fully dormant, signalled by the leaves falling. If there is any doubt about whether a deciduous fruit tree is dormant in December, postpone the pruning until later in winter.
4. Roses
When it comes to December rose pruning, the answer is yes…but. Roses are usually dormant by December, so it’s a good moment to trim them. But don’t go overboard. Trim back those stragglers and any dead, diseased, or broken canes in order to limit winter damage from cold winds. Any major structural pruning should wait until later in winter.
Pruning Essentials
This three-piece pruning set covers everything from shaping shrubs to cutting thick branches, with telescopic handles and sharp, non-stick blades that make trimming easy and comfortable.
This dual-grit whetstone set uses water for effortless sharpening and comes with an angle guide, non-slip base, and flattening stone to keep your pruners and other blades razor-sharp.
These long-sleeve gardening gloves offer excellent grip and abrasion resistance for pruning, with extended canvas cuffs that protect your arms from scratches, debris, and thorns.
Plants to Leave Until Spring
Not every plant appreciates a winter haircut. Some varieties can be damaged or set back if you prune them too early. These are the plants you should leave untouched until spring to keep them healthy, vigorous, and ready for new growth.
1. Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Azaleas, rhododendrons, lilacs, and magnolias are all gorgeous garden favorites that burst into flower in spring. These spring-blooming shrubs set their flowers in autumn, so a December trim will reduce or eliminate your blossoms. These shrubs should all be pruned a few weeks after they bloom.
2. Pollinator-Friendly Plants
Plants like black-eyed Susans, milkweed, and coneflower help pollinators even during the winter. Even after the leaves die back, these plant seeds provide food for wildlife as well as habitat for pollinators.
3. Bleeding Trees
Some trees bleed sap excessively if pruned at the wrong time, which can attract pests. This includes trees like willow, birch, and maple. While it won’t kill these deciduous trees to prune in December, the best time to prune “bleeder” trees is in early summer. At that point, the leaves have hardened, and the sap is not as fluid. It may still run, but not to the point of doing damage to the tree.
4. Some Hydrangea Species
Hydrangea species are all related, but they don’t all have the same blooming pattern. Some hydrangeas set flowers on new wood, meaning that they flower on wood that appears during the spring growth period. These hydrangeas can be pruned in winter since it will not impact the spring and summer flower display.
Other hydrangeas – including some of the most popular varieties like bigleaf (hydrangea macrophylla), lacecap (hydrangea serrata), and oakleaf (hydrangea quercifolia) – set buds on old wood. That means that the flowers you see this summer were set on wood grown during the prior summer. A December pruning will remove the flower buds, so you want to avoid winter pruning and, instead, prune a few weeks after the flowers fade.
