There are 7 plants that need winter pruning this time of the year. Winter isn’t just for staying indoors; it is the most critical time for Texas gardeners to care for their landscapes. From now until mid-February, you should head outside for winter pruning. Gardening expert Neal Sperry suggests tackling specific plants right now to ensure a healthy, vibrant spring season.
Follow this checklist to get your garden ready:
- Shade Trees: Cut away dead or damaged branches to keep trees healthy. Make sure all cuts sit flush with the branch collar on the trunk. You must use pruning sealant on oak cuts to protect them.
- Evergreen Shrubs: Prune these plants to support their natural shape. Avoid cutting them into unnatural boxes or spheres.
- Fruit Trees: Focus on your peach and plum trees. Prune them to remove vertical growth, which helps keep the plants low and prevents them from spreading uncontrollably.
- Grapes: If you grow grapes, you need to be bold. Remove as much as 80 to 85 percent of the cane growth to encourage better fruit production.
- Summer-Flowering Shrubs: Prune out damaged branches from vines and shrubs. Crucially, do not “top” your crape myrtles, as this ruins their structure.
- Perennials: Clean up your garden beds effectively. Prune dead stems and withered leaves from your perennials to make space for new life.
- Freeze Damage: Check plants like gardenias and oleanders for winter injury. Prune off any stems damaged by the December cold to help them recover.
Spending time on winter pruning and tree care now creates a strong foundation for the future. Your hard work will pay off when everything blooms beautifully in the spring. Are you looking for the best shears, sealants, or fertilizers? Stop by Steinhausers today for all your essential garden supplies!