Wait Until June to Prune
Every Summer, we get plenty of questions from property managers across Ohio about what, when, and how to prune. Overseeing ProScape’s landscape crews throughout our region, I’ve learned that our local climate and plant varieties make proper pruning especially important this time of year. Here’s how we tackle pruning properties to keep your landscapes safe, thriving, and picture-perfect for tenants and visitors.
Why Pruning Matters
For property managers, pruning is about much more than neat lines and tidy shrubs. Removing dead or diseased wood prevents bigger issues, improves air circulation, and helps every plant reach its full, hearty potential. Smart, scheduled pruning means a healthier landscape, reduced risk of storm damage from weak limbs, and year-round curb appeal. It also helps keep maintenance costs manageable in the long run and prevents overgrown shrubs from being a security concern.
Why wait until June
June through August is a sweet spot for pruning in Ohio. Most of our spring-flowering shrubs—like azaleas, lilacs, and forsythia—are just finishing their blooms. That’s your signal: prune now to shape them up and encourage healthy growth without accidentally snipping off next season’s flowers. Plus, our trees and deciduous shrubs are actively growing in this early-summer warmth, so any cuts will heal faster, reducing the spread of disease that’s a risk during Ohio’s wetter months.
What I Recommend for Summer Pruning
On our properties, we focus our pruning efforts on:
- Spring-flowering shrubs: Once they’ve finished flowering, we trim back faded blossoms, thin out crowded spots, and give the plants their shape for next spring.
- Trees: We use this time to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to prevent storm problems later in the season.
- Summer-blooming shrubs: If needed, a light trim or deadheading helps keep them blooming strong into August.
No matter the plant, sharp, clean tools are a must. And before any cuts, we double-check the type and timing—some mid or late-summer bloomers need different handling.
Ohio-Specific Considerations
Our weather can be unpredictable; we always check the forecast before any big pruning job. If a heatwave or drought is coming, it’s best to wait—Ohio plants can be sensitive to sudden stress. And after pruning, it’s a good idea to boost irrigation if possible so plants recover fast.
Final Thoughts
In my experience managing landscapes throughout Ohio, the right pruning in mid to late summer results in less work (and fewer headaches) the rest of the year. It keeps your properties healthy, safe, and appealing—something every property manager wants. If you’re not sure where to start or want expert eyes on your site, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the ProScape team. We’re here to help you make the most of Ohio’s growing season, every step of the way.