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February Pruning Guide | Trees & Shrubs to Prune Now
In this blog post:
February might still feel like the depths of winter, but for gardeners, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on pruning certain trees and shrubs. Pruning not only helps maintain the shape and health of your plants but also encourages new and vibrant growth in the coming seasons. At Hyundai Power Products, we’re here to guide you through the essential February pruning tasks to keep your garden thriving.
Why Prune in February?
Pruning in late winter is essential, before the sap starts to rise, allowing plants to heal quickly without the risk of disease. With most deciduous trees and shrubs still dormant, it’s easier to see the branches and structure allowing you to make more precise cuts. Plus, getting ahead now means less work in the busy spring season.
What Trees to Prune in February?
Apple and Pear Trees (Pyrus spp.) Prune these fruit trees while they are still dormant to encourage better fruiting in summer. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve airflow and light penetration.
Wisteria Cut back the summer’s growth to two or three buds on each stem. This encourages more blooms in spring and keeps this vigorous climber in check.
Birch (Betula) and Maple (Acer) If you didn’t get around to pruning these trees in autumn, now is your last chance before they start to bleed sap in early spring. Keep pruning to a minimum as sap loss can weaken the tree. If you need more heavy-pruning, wait until mid-to-late summer.
Prune apple trees in February for more fruits and a healthier tree.
February is the last chance to prune tree like Birch and MaplesWhat Shrubs to Prune in February?
Winter-Flowering Shrubs (e.g., Mahonia, Viburnum)
Once their winter display is over, prune to shape and remove any damaged or weak growth.
Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea arborescens)
Cut back old flower heads to a pair of healthy buds to promote strong growth and large blooms later in the year. Hydrangea macrophylla (mophead and lacecap varieties) should NOT be pruned in February as they flower on old wood.
Roses (Hybrid Teas and Floribundas)
February is ideal for prunin g bush roses. Cut back to outward-facing buds to create an open shape, removing any dead or weak stems.
Cornus (Dogwood) and Salix (Willow)
These shrubs are grown for their vibrant winter stems. Prune hard to the base to encourage fresh, colourful growth for next winter.
Our Expert Pruning Tips
✅ Use the Right Tools: A sharp, reliable pruner is key to making clean cuts. Consider using Hyundai cordless pole saw for effortless and precise pruning. For trees and larger shrubs a chainsaw is recommended and for hard to reach, high shrubs and trees a long-reach chainsaws or pole saw makes pruning tasks easy.
✅ Cut at an Angle: Always cut just above a bud at a slight angle to prevent water from settling on the cut, reducing the risk of rot.
✅ Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: Look for any blackened, brittle, or discoloured branches and remove them to keep your plants healthy.
Pruning in February sets the stage for a healthy, vibrant garden in the months to come. With the right techniques and tools, you can ensure your trees and shrubs flourish throughout the year.
Explore Hyundai’s Chainsaws and Long-Reach Pole Saws for efficient winter pruning.
Want to keep your garden thriving year-round? Explore more expert gardening tips in our Hyundai Knowledge Hub and get the best tools for the job.
FAQs
What Happens if You Prune Too Early in Winter?
Pruning too early in winter, before plants are fully dormant, can lead to frost damage. Fresh cuts expose plants to harsh weather, potentially causing dieback and weak growth in spring. Always prune in late winter when the risk of severe frost has passed.
Which Plants Should NOT Be Pruned in February?
Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia, camellia, and lilac, as they bloom on old wood. Hydrangea macrophylla (mophead and lacecap varieties) should also be left unpruned, as cutting too early removes flower buds. Evergreen shrubs and trees generally require minimal pruning now.
When Is It Too Late to Prune Trees in Winter?
By early March, many trees, like birch and maple, start producing sap, making pruning stressful for them. For best results, complete pruning before signs of new growth appear. Late pruning can also impact fruit production for apple and pear trees.
