Tips from Your Local Experts at Hampton Nursery
There’s something so satisfying about pruning — shaping up your landscape, cleaning up winter damage, and setting the stage for new growth. But knowing what to cut and when to cut is just as important as having sharp pruners.
April is a tricky month for pruning here in our region. Some plants are just waking up, while others still need time to recover from winter. At Hampton Nursery, we like to follow one simple rule when pruning in spring:
Prune with purpose.
Here’s our April guide to help you know what to cut — and what to leave for later.
Prune Now:
1. Summer-Blooming Shrubs
If your shrubs bloom in summer (hydrangeas like Limelight or Quick Fire, butterfly bush, rose of Sharon), you’re safe to prune them back now. These plants bloom on new growth, so trimming them in early spring encourages stronger stems and bigger blooms.
Tip: Don’t be shy! A hard prune (cutting back by about 1/3) often produces the best results.
2. Dead or Damaged Branches
Winter can leave behind broken branches, split limbs, or dieback. Take a good look at your trees and shrubs now and remove any damaged wood. Prune down to healthy growth.
3. Ornamental Grasses & Perennials
If you left your ornamental grasses or perennials standing over winter (good for wildlife!), now’s the time to cut them down to a few inches above the ground. Fresh green growth will push through soon.
Leave These for Later:
1. Spring-Blooming Shrubs
Lilacs, azaleas, forsythia, rhododendrons — these bloom on old wood. Prune them after they flower, or you’ll risk losing this year’s blooms.
2. Evergreens & Boxwood
April is a little early for shaping evergreen shrubs or boxwood. Wait until late spring or early summer when growth is more active.
3. Cold-Sensitive Plants
If you grow butterfly bush, fig trees, or crape myrtle, wait until you’re sure the threat of frost has passed. Late frosts can damage new cuts on these tender plants.
Final Tips from Hampton Nursery:
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Always use clean, sharp tools. Dirty pruners can spread disease.
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Cut just above a healthy bud facing outward — this encourages nice, open growth.
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When in doubt, stop in and ask us! Bring a photo or a plant sample — we’re always happy to help you make the right pruning call.
Spring is a busy time in the garden — and pruning is one of the best ways to invest in the health and beauty of your landscape. Take your time, prune with purpose, and your plants will reward you all season long.
Happy Gardening!
— The Team at Hampton Nursery
