Pruning Shrubs Damaged by Winter Snows and Spring Ice Storm.
2025 has been a tough year on our trees and shrubs! Heavy winter snows and the recent spring ice storm have taken a toll on our trees and garden shrubs, leaving many of them damaged and in need of attention. Pruning is an effective way to help your plants recover and promote healthy growth going forward.
While we suggest you call an arborist to deal with any large tree damage and cleanup, many of the smaller trees and shrubs in our yards and landscape can be handled by home gardeners.
Before you begin pruning, it's essential to assess the extent of the damage to your shrubs. In particular, look for broken branches and split stems: These can occur when ice or heavy snow weighs branches down past their breaking point.
Tools of the Trade: The following tools are handy to have on hand for regular pruning and may get an extra workout this spring! Keep cutting tools sharpened and clean. (When we are using our secateurs all day they get sharpened every morning before starting :-)
- Hand Pruners (Secateurs): For small branches and twigs.
- Loppers: For thicker branches.
- Pruning saw: For very thick branches or stems.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
Locate all broken, split, or dead branches. Cut them back to the nearest healthy joint or stem... in some cases close to the ground (see example 2).
Encouraging New Growth
- Thin out dense areas: This allows light and air to reach the interior of the plant, promoting healthy growth.
- Shape the shrub: Light trimming can help maintain the natural shape of the shrub while removing any parts that might have been distorted by snow or ice.
- Prune at the right time: Spring-blooming shrubs such as Lilac, Magnolia and Forysthia are usually pruned after they bloom, however, if damage is extensive, immediate pruning may be necessary to removed broken branches. Summer and Fall blooming shrubs such as Hydrangea paniculata, Rose-of-Sharon, Spiraea as well as Roses are usually pruned in spring and will bloom later in the season on new growth.
To help with the further recovery of your trees and shrubs in the coming year, pay special attention to ensure they have adequate water and fertility to support new growth all season long.
Still have questions? Or not sure what to prune when? Stop by the garden centre to pick up a free pruning guide handout.
- Kristin Ego