When to Prune Trees and Shrubs in Maryland for Healthy Spring Growth

February in Anne Arundel County is the sweet spot for planning (and often starting) pruning before spring growth takes off. With Maryland’s freeze-thaw weather and our Zone 7a/7b conditions around Annapolis, the timing matters: prune too early and you risk cold damage; prune too late and you may remove flower buds or stress plants right as they’re trying to leaf out.

At Tayman Lawn & Landscaping LLC, we help homeowners across Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, and Edgewater make smart winter pruning decisions that lead to fuller shrubs, stronger trees, and a healthier landscape all season long.

Why Late Winter Pruning Works So Well In Maryland

For many trees and shrubs, late winter (mid-February through early March) is ideal because plants are still dormant, but the worst of winter is usually behind us. You get several benefits:

• Cleaner cuts and faster healing as spring approaches

• Better visibility of branch structure with no leaves in the way

• Reduced risk of spreading certain diseases and pests that are active later in the year

• Less stress on the plant compared to pruning during active growth

This is also a practical time for Anne Arundel County homeowners: pruning now helps reduce storm-related limb breakage before March winds and spring thunderstorms.

What To Prune In February (And What To Wait On)

In general, February is a great month for structural pruning and for plants that bloom on new wood.

Good Candidates For February Pruning

• Shade trees (like maple and oak): remove dead, rubbing, or weak branches

• Fruit trees (apple, pear): shape for airflow and better production later

• Summer-flowering shrubs (like butterfly bush and many panicle hydrangeas): encourage strong new growth

• Overgrown foundation shrubs that need reshaping (depending on species)

Hold Off Until After Bloom

Maryland’s spring-flowering shrubs set their flower buds the year before. If you prune them now, you’ll likely cut off this year’s blooms.

Wait to prune these until right after they flower:

• Azaleas and rhododendrons

• Forsythia

• Lilac

• Some hydrangeas (especially bigleaf/mophead types)

If you’re not sure what you have, a quick rule helps: if it blooms early in spring, it usually gets pruned after flowering.

People Also Ask: Is It OK To Prune Shrubs In February?

Yes, it can be OK to prune shrubs in February in Maryland, but it depends on the shrub. Dormant, summer-flowering shrubs and many evergreen foundation plants can tolerate late-winter shaping and cleanup. However, spring-flowering shrubs (like azaleas and lilacs) should usually wait until after they bloom, or you’ll remove flower buds.

If you want both healthy growth and spring color, the “right time” is as important as the cut itself.

Maryland-Specific Pruning Tips Homeowners Often Miss

Avoid Pruning During A Warm Spell Right Before A Hard Freeze

In Annapolis and nearby communities, we can get a 60-degree day followed by a cold snap. Heavy pruning right before a hard freeze may trigger tender growth that gets damaged.

Focus On Safety And Plant Health First

Before shaping for looks, prioritize:

• Dead branches (hazard prevention)

• Crossing limbs (reduces rubbing wounds)

• Low, interfering branches (walkways, driveways, rooflines)

Don’t “Top” Trees Or Over-Shear Shrubs

Topping can create weak, fast-growing sprouts and long-term structural issues. Over-shearing shrubs can lead to bare interiors and pest problems. Selective, professional pruning creates a more natural shape and stronger branching.

A February Landscape Checklist For A Stronger Spring

February is also a smart time to bundle pruning with other seasonal services so your yard is ready before busy spring schedules kick in (and before Presidents’ Day gatherings or early outdoor projects).

Consider:

• Tree and bush trimming to prevent spring breakage

• Seasonal clean-up and debris removal for cleaner beds

• Landscape renovation planning (mulch, edging, plant replacements)

• Drainage and stormwater checkups before spring rains

Schedule Professional Tree And Shrub Pruning In Anne Arundel County

The best pruning supports your landscape goals: healthier plants, safer branches, more blooms (at the right time), and a cleaner look heading into spring. Tayman Lawn & Landscaping LLC provides expert tree and bush trimming, seasonal clean-up, and full landscape care for homeowners throughout Annapolis and surrounding Anne Arundel communities.

Ready to set your yard up for a healthy spring? Contact Tayman Lawn & Landscaping LLC to schedule February pruning and get a local, plant-specific plan for your property.