Tips for Pruning Evergreens
Whether the plant is a needled evergreen (such as a pine or spruce), or a broadleaf evergreen (such as a rhododendron or camellia), pruning involves knowing how the tree or shrub grows and where the new growth originates. But no matter the type of plant, three pruning strategies always apply. First, trim away any dead branches, cutting back to live wood or the base of the plant. Next, cut off broken or damaged branches. Finally, remove crossing or rubbing branches to improve overall structure of the plant. Test Garden Tip: Before you begin pruning, wipe down the blades of your pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol to avoid spreading diseases. Clean the blades again before moving on to trim a different plant.
