When to Prune Shrubs & Trees in Seattle’s Climate?

What’s the Problem?

Seattle’s mild, wet winters and cool summers are great for plants… and for wild, shaggy growth. Homeowners ask us the same three questions:

• “When is the right month to prune?” Prune too early and you cut off spring flowers; too late and you trigger a flush of awkward regrowth.
• “Why does my hedge look tired again already?” Wrong timing = fast, leggy come-back and more maintenance.
• “Is it okay to prune in the rain?” (Welcome to Seattle!) Yes—with sharp tools and clean cuts—but timing around bloom cycles matters more.

We’ll keep this simple: follow bloom timing, plant biology, and a PNW-friendly calendar.

Seattle Pruning Basics (60-Second Cheatsheet)

• Flower now, prune after. Spring-bloomers set buds the previous summer—wait until right after bloom (think rhodies, azaleas, lilacs).
• Bloom later, prune earlier. Summer/fall bloomers flower on new wood—cut back in late winter to early spring (hydrangea paniculata, roses, spirea).
• Sap-bleeders (maple, birch): Trim in mid-summer to minimize bleeding.
• Evergreen hedges (laurel, arborvitae): Shape late spring and late summer; light touch mid-season to keep edges crisp.
• Birds & wildlife: Avoid disturbing active nests (roughly Apr–Jul). If you spot a nest, we pause and return later.

Plant-by-Plant Timing (Seattle Edition)

Spring Bloomers (prune after flowering):

• Rhododendron & Azalea: Deadhead and lightly shape May–June (right after bloom).
• Camellia japonica: Late spring tidy once petals drop; avoid hard cuts in fall.
• Lilac: Late May–June immediately after bloom to preserve next year’s flowers.
• Forsythia, Viburnum (spring types), Pieris: Late spring after bloom.

Summer/Fall Bloomers (prune in late winter/early spring):

• Hydrangea paniculata (‘Limelight’) & arborescens (‘Annabelle’): Feb–Mar cut back to a framework.
• Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf/mophead): Minimal Feb–Mar—remove dead wood; only light thinning after bloom (Jul–Aug) to keep next year’s buds.
• Spirea (summer bloom), Butterfly bush: Feb–Mar cut back hard for fresh bloom wood.
• Roses: Late Feb–Mar; shape to 3–5 strong canes.

Evergreens & Hedges:

• English/Portuguese Laurel, Photinia: Late May–June primary cut; Aug/early Sept touch-up. Avoid hard pruning after mid-Sept.
• Arborvitae, Yew, Boxwood: Light shape May–June; refine Aug. Don’t cut beyond green on arborvitae.

Ornamental Trees:

• Japanese Maple: July–Aug selective thinning to reduce sap bleed; avoid heavy winter cuts.
• Birch: July light pruning.
• Fruit Trees (apple/pear): Late Feb–Mar structure + July size control (summer prune tames vigor).
• Dogwood, Magnolia: Minimal cuts; if needed, mid-summer selective only.

Shrubs for Fresh Growth/Color:

• Red-twig Dogwood: Feb stool or thin to encourage bright new stems.
• Lavender: Aug–Sept after bloom—shape cushions, avoid cutting into old woody stems.

Month-by-Month Seattle Pruning Calendar

• Jan: Mostly rest; remove storm damage only.
• Feb–Mar: Roses, fruit trees, panicle/‘Annabelle’ hydrangeas, summer-blooming spirea, butterfly bush, red-twig dogwood, structural thinning.
• Apr: Light shaping only; watch for nests; many spring bloomers are flowering.
• May–Jun: Prune spring bloomers after flowers; primary hedge/evergreen shaping; deadhead rhodies.
• Jul–Aug: Maple/birch thinning; summer prune apples/pears; hedge touch-ups; lavender cutback.
• Sept: Last light hedge tidy early month; stop hard pruning to avoid tender growth before cold snaps.
• Oct–Nov: Clean out dead/diseased wood, leaf load reduction; structural views open up as leaves drop.
• Dec: Minimal—tool care, planning, quotes.

Cut It Right (Quick Technique Tips)

• Start with dead/diseased/crossing wood. Open the plant for light and airflow.
• Cut to a bud or branch junction. No stubs; angle away from the bud.
• Disinfect for disease-prone species. Especially roses, fruit trees.
• Don’t “lion-tail” trees. Keep interior foliage for strength and wind-resistance.
• Hedges: Small, frequent trims beat one big chop.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan

• Season-wise pruning: We schedule visits when timing benefits your plants (not just our calendar).
• Hedge management: Primary shape in late spring plus late-summer refinement, with optional mid-season edge pass.
• Flower-smart shrub care: After-bloom shaping for spring bloomers; late-winter cuts for new-wood bloomers.
• Debris & haul-out included: We leave paths blown, beds raked, and gates closed.

We’re a low-maintenance landscaping crew. Our goal is fewer problems between visits and less work for you.

Service Cadences

• Quarterly — spring/fall deep clean + two tune-ups
• Bi-Monthly — great balance for most Seattle yards
  (Monthly available for fast growers, HOAs, or marquee hedges.)

What Annual Maintenance Includes

• Pruning & shaping based on plant type and season
• Hedge trims with crisp lines (and cleanup)
• Weed control & bed edging so the tidy look lasts
• Mulch/gravel refresh (optional) for fewer weeds, better moisture
• Green waste haul & responsible disposal

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

• Healthier plants — timed cuts reduce stress and disease risk
• Curb appeal on autopilot — no surprise jungle moments
• Lower lifetime cost — consistent small visits beat giant rescues
• Safer branches — reduce storm breakage before the windstorms roll in

How It Works

1. Free Estimate — photo/video or quick walkthrough; clear, upfront pricing
2. Set Your Schedule — quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly
3. Service Day — clear, prune, edge, and (optional) mulch/gravel & lawn refresh
4. Follow-Up — simple care tips, plus easy add-ons when you want them

Why Seattle Chooses Neat & Tidy

• Local crew that knows hills, alleys, and tight driveways
• Licensed & insured for peace of mind
• Upfront pricing — labor, hauling, and disposal included
• On-time, respectful, clean work
• Green-first approach to keep landfill waste low

Ready for a yard that stays neat?

Call or text Neat & Tidy for a pruning plan that matches Seattle’s seasons. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to.