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What to Prune and Cut Back in Early Spring
As winter fades and temperatures begin to warm in Michigan, early spring is the ideal time to prune many trees, shrubs, and perennials. Pruning at the right time helps encourage healthy growth, improve flowering, and keep plants looking their best throughout the season.
Here’s what you can safely prune and cut back in early spring.
Cut Back Last Year’s Perennials
Many perennials are best cut back before new growth begins. If you left stems standing over winter for wildlife or visual interest, now is the time to clean them up.
Perennials that should be cut back in early spring include:
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Sedum (Autumn Joy)
- Bee balm (Monarda)
- Shasta daisy
- Daylilies
Trim stems down to just a few inches above the soil. Be careful around plants like hostas and peonies, as their new shoots may already be emerging.
Cut Back Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses should also be trimmed in early spring before new growth appears.
Cut varieties like Karl Foerster feather reed grass, switchgrass, and fountain grass back to about 4–6 inches above the ground. This removes old growth and makes room for fresh blades to emerge.
Prune Summer-Blooming Shrubs
Many shrubs that bloom later in summer flower on new wood, which means early spring is the best time to prune them.
Good candidates include:
- Panicle hydrangeas (like Limelight)
- Spirea
- Rose of Sharon
- Burning bush
- Butterfly bush
Pruning these plants now encourages strong new growth and abundant blooms later in the season.
Prune Fruit Trees
Late winter through early spring is also a great time to prune apple and pear trees before they break dormancy. Removing crossing branches and thinning crowded areas helps improve air circulation and fruit production.
What NOT to Prune Yet
Some plants set their flower buds the previous season, so pruning them too early will remove this year’s blooms.
Avoid pruning these spring-flowering shrubs until after they bloom:
- Lilacs
- Forsythia
- Azaleas
- Rhododendrons
- Magnolias
Once they finish flowering, you can safely prune them to shape the plant.
Get Your Garden Ready for the Season
A little early spring pruning can make a big difference in how your garden performs throughout the year. Cutting back perennials, trimming ornamental grasses, and pruning the right shrubs now will help encourage healthy growth and beautiful blooms as the season progresses.
If you’re unsure when to prune a specific plant, stop by your local English Gardens. Our experts are always happy to help you get your garden growing.
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