is it too late to trim bushes

Winter is usually the best time. Dormant pruning is usually done in late winter, six to 10 weeks before the average last frost in your area. You can prune shrubs at any time of year if it's necessary—for example, to remove broken branches or dead or diseased wood, or to remove growth that is obstructing a walkway.

1. Is it OK to trim bushes now?
2. How late in the season can you trim bushes?
3. When should overgrown bushes be trimmed?
4. Is it too late to trim hedges?

Is it OK to trim bushes now?

The best time to prune healthy, well-maintained spring-flowering shrubs is immediately after flowering. ... Prune these shrubs in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Do not prune deciduous shrubs in late summer. Pruning shrubs in August or early September may encourage a late flush of growth.

How late in the season can you trim bushes?

After “how?", the second most-asked question we get about pruning is “when?” (Or, "Can I prune this now?") The rule of thumb is to prune immediately after bloom for flowering shrubs, in late winter or early spring for non-blooming shrubs (particularly for heavy pruning), and not after mid-August for any shrubs.

When should overgrown bushes be trimmed?

Badly overgrown shrubs respond well to pruning in late winter/early spring, just before new leaves appear. Managing large shrubs isn't done overnight. Instead, prune neglected, overgrown shrubs over three years. Each year, take out a third of the heaviest stems to start new growth developing.

Is it too late to trim hedges?

If pruning is done in spring, the new growth has time to mature and become hardwood before winter starts and it can then survive the cold of winter. ... To combat the problem of winter die off, it is commonly suggested that you do not prune trees and shrubs in late summer or early fall.