Evergreens & Japanese Maples Pruning Guide
Written for Zone 6 — with timing notes for Zones 2–9
Evergreens and Japanese maples don’t need dramatic pruning. A little shaping, the odd problem branch removed, and they’ll stay healthy and beautiful for years. This guide focuses on Zone 6, but the timing chart below makes it easy for gardeners in Zones 2–9 to adjust their pruning schedule to their local climate.
Evergreens: Light shaping only. Stay away from the old brown wood — it won’t regrow and creates bare patches.
Japanese maples: Minimal pruning. Remove crossing branches, tip-shape lightly, and let the tree’s natural form shine.
Timing: Early spring after new growth appears is ideal. Late winter is fine for small touch-ups.
Evergreens & Japanese Maples
Pruning Checklist
- Evergreens (cedar, juniper, spruce, boxwood, yew): Only reshape lightly — no deep cuts into old wood.
- Remove broken, diseased, or crowded branches: Improves airflow and overall plant health.
- Avoid cutting into old brown wood: Evergreens won’t fill back in from those areas.
- Japanese maples: Trim crossing branches and shape tips gently.
- Avoid heavy pruning: Keeps the natural form intact and prevents long-term damage.
- Best timing: Early spring for most pruning. Late winter for quick touch-ups.
- Quick tips: Use clean hand pruners, focus on plant health first, and leave a few branches for wildlife or winter interest.
Tip from the Lion Gardener
Japanese Maples: I always wait until spring to tidy mine up. Once the leaves start to appear, it’s easy to see what’s truly dead and what’s just late to the party. It saves time, prevents over-pruning, and keeps the tree looking naturally elegant.
Tip from the Lion Gardener
Evergreens (Spruce & Juniper): For young spruce, I pinch out the center candle in spring — keeps the shape tidy and stops runaway leaders. Larger branches? Wait until winter.
For junipers, I prune back to a young branch so the cut disappears into the plant. No stubby ends, everything blends naturally with surrounding greenery.
Common Mistakes People Make With Evergreens
- Pruning too late in the season — can cause frost damage or stress.
- Cutting into old brown wood — it won’t fill in.
- Heavy pruning all at once — creates bare patches and slows growth.
- Ignoring the natural shape — always step back and look from a distance before snipping.
- Using dirty tools — spreads disease quickly.
Pruning by Zone (Quick Reference)
If you garden outside Zone 6, use this chart to shift your pruning slightly earlier or later based on your climate.
| Zone | Best Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 | Late winter / early spring | Only very hardy evergreens; keep shaping light. |
| 4 | Early spring | Remove dead or damaged branches; shape lightly. |
| 5 | Early spring | Light shaping for evergreens and Japanese maples. |
| 6 | Early spring | Follow the full checklist above. |
| 7 | Late winter / early spring | Pruning starts a little earlier than Zone 6. |
| 8 | Late winter | Growth starts sooner; prune lightly before heat arrives. |
| 9 | Late winter | Minimal pruning; avoid pruning during hot spells. |