Pruning is one of the best ways to keep your plants looking well-kept and healthy. Done at the right time and in the right way, it can extend the life of your plants, improve their structure, and keep your landscape looking intentional all season long.
What Is Pruning?
Pruning is the selective trimming or removal of branches or stems from trees and shrubs. The goal is to improve the overall health, structure, and appearance of the plant while maintaining its natural form. Pruning removes dead, damaged, or overcrowded growth that can weaken a plant or create entry points for disease. It also encourages stronger branching, better air circulation, and more vigorous new growth. On flowering shrubs, pruning at the right time can actually increase bloom production the following season.
What Is Deadheading?
Deadheading is a specific and more targeted form of pruning focused on removing spent or faded flowers. Unlike general pruning, deadheading does not involve cutting back larger stems or reshaping the plant. The purpose is to redirect the plant's energy. When a flower fades, the plant begins putting its resources into producing seeds. Removing that spent bloom before the seed sets signals the plant to produce more flowers instead, resulting in a longer blooming period, fuller foliage, and a cleaner overall appearance.
When to Prune vs. When to Deadhead
Timing matters with both. Most shrubs and trees are best pruned while dormant, either in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning during dormancy reduces stress on the plant, minimizes the risk of spreading disease, and allows the plant to direct energy into strong structural growth as the season opens. Spring-blooming shrubs are an exception and should be pruned right after they bloom to avoid cutting off next year's buds.
Deadheading does not follow a seasonal schedule the same way. It can and should be done throughout the growing season as soon as flowers begin to fade. Regular deadheading during the summer keeps plants looking tidy and keeps the blooms coming.
Have the Pros Do It
Pruning incorrectly can damage a plant's structure, leave it vulnerable to disease, or remove growth that would have produced next season's flowers. Green View's trained professionals serving homeowners across Central Illinois know where and how to cut, what tools to use, and how to avoid spreading infection from one plant to another. Whether you need seasonal pruning, ongoing deadheading, or a full plant health assessment, we can help keep your landscape looking its best.
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