Remember though that trimmings from Spring flowering plants will be missing from the plant so withhold the secateurs from them until after blooming, e.g., Redbud, Magnolia, Crabapple, Quince, Forsythia etc.

Late winter is a good time for pruning some trees and shrubs. Plants are dormant but the coldest part of winter has passed, lowering the chance of cold damage near pruning cuts.

Pruning deciduous plants in the winter promotes fast re-growth in the spring. It's also easier to see the shape of deciduous plants in the winter, since their foliage is gone.

Here are some tips:

•  Prune on a mild, dry day.

•  Remove any dead and diseased branches. Then remove the overgrown and smaller branches to increase light and air at the crown of the tree.

•  Cut branches at the node, the point at which one branch or twig attaches to another.

•  When pruning apple trees and other fruit trees, cut water sprouts right to their bases. These vigorous, upright shoots soak up the plant's energy and bear few or no flowers or fruit. Remove weak twigs.

•  Prune butterfly bush severely. These plants bloom only on new shoots. Lop the whole plant to within a few inches of the ground.

Forcing Blooms

Unless you're in a warm weather zone, you're probably getting antsy for spring! If you love forsythia, crab apples, or other flowering trees, try forcing branches indoors. Cut the branches, put them in warm water, and keep in a cool, shady spot indoors.

Climate Trends

Wondering why the end of winter has brought some unusual weather?

•The El Nino warming the ocean waters has finally grown big enough; warmer-than-usual waters add moisture to the air, causing huge storms.

•Cold polar air is escaping south due to weak Arctic winds. Bottom line; we’re looking at a cold finish to winter

Weather Lore

Thunder in February means poor sugaring.

St. Matthias's Day [February 24] sends sap into the tree.

4 February spring is not worth a pin. -English proverb

WHAT, WHEN & HOW TO PRUNE

Apple: Early spring. Prune moderately. Keep tree open with main branches well spaced. Avoid sharp V-shaped crotches.

Cherry: Early spring. Prune the most vigorous shoots moderately.

Clematis: Spring. Cut weak growth. Save as much old wood as possible.

Flowering dogwood: After flowering. Remove dead wood only.

Forsythia: After flowering. Remove old branches at ground. Trim new growth.

Lilac: After flowering. Remove diseased, scaly growth, flower heads, and suckers.

Peach: Early spring. Remove half of last year's growth. Keep tree headed low.

Plum: Early spring. Cut dead, diseased branches; trim rank growth moderately.

Rhododendron: After flowering. Prune judiciously. Snip branches from weak, leggy plants to induce growth from roots.

Rose (except climbers): Spring, after frosts. Cut dead and weak growth; cut branches or canes to four or five eyes.

Rose (climbers): After flowering. Cut half of old growth; retain new shoots for next year.

Rose of Sharon: When buds. Cut all winter-killed wood to swell begin growth back to live wood.
Trumpet vine: Early spring. Prune side branches severely to main stem.
Virginia creeper: Spring Clip young plants freely. Thin old plants and remove dead growth.
Wisteria: Spring, summer. Cut new growth to spurs at axils of leaves.

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