Fall pruning for trees and shrubs has been the most common topic on emails this week and you may have concerns, too. So, here are some pruning basics to remember:

• Pruning stimulates growth (fall pruning of trees and shrubs invites insects and disease when there isn’t time to harden off for winter weather)
• Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs after they bloom
• Prune evergreen trees and shrubs late winter to early spring with light pruning possible in early summer
• Prune most trees and shrubs in late winter to early spring during cool, dry weather
• Prune to remove dead, broken, diseased branches and to shape plants
• In shaping plants, look to increase sunlight and air circulation within the structure of each plant
• Don't cut flush with the trunk - leave a slight nub or bump which will be a smaller cut
• Warm climates (zones 8 to 10) should prune in January to February when temps are still a little cool
• Fruiting trees and shrubs should be pruned and thinned in mid to late winter to prevent disease and insect damage