Question
Hi,

Please tell me the best time to prune evergreen shrubs. There is new growth on them right now and I want to prune them to keep a rounded shape. I am new to this as you can tell from my question. I do live in zone 5 if that is important.

Thanks

Answer
Paul, thid depends if you want the shrub to get any larger. if you want it to stay basically the size it is now, then prune it now, taking off much of the new growth. this will leave the plant basically the same size it is now, as well as keeping its shape. if you want to let it get larger, then do not prune it yet, but wait untill later this spring, or even in the fall. depending on what kind of evergreens they are, this will not be as easy as pruning now. if they are long needled evergreens, such as Mugho Pines, then they are harder tp prune when the needles are fully growen, but easier now, with the new growth, you can almost break the new growth off with you fingers, like snapping a bean. basically, there is not a real bad time to prune an evergreen shrub. as it gets to the size you want it, then prune the new growth off, and it will not get much larger, tho it will continue to grow, this slows the rate down somewhat. Good luck, and remember to use a sharp pruner, its better for the plant, and much easier.

Happy gardening.

Mark