Pruning Overgrown Azaleas and Evergreens: Timing Matters

New homeowner (closing May 15) has overgrown azaleas and evergreens. Wants to prune without damage.

Azaleas: Post-Bloom Only

Azaleas set flower buds in summer. Prune within 3 weeks after flowering ends. Fall/winter pruning = no flowers next spring.

Other Evergreens: Spring or Fall

• Light shaping: Anytime.
• Hard renovation: Early spring (before new growth) or late fall.
• Rule: After hard cut, only trim new growth (light green, soft) annually. Cutting into old wood (no green) causes bare stubs, slow recovery.

Identify the "Others"

Take photos to a local nursery or extension for ID. Pruning needs vary: boxwood (shear anytime), juniper (never cut past green), holly (tolerates hard prune), yew (very forgiving).

Immediate Steps

1. Remove dead/diseased/crossing branches now.
2. Wait for azalea bloom to finish, then shape.
3. Schedule major evergreen work for next appropriate window.

Expert: Brandon Swisher | BMSwisher@aol.com