by KYW's Fran Sorin

There always seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to pruning trees and bushes.

This time of year, late fall and into winter, is frequently a good time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs because contact with insects and fungi are less likely when the tree is in its winter dormancy. Also, when the tree is bare it is easier to analyze the desired shape of the tree.

The rule of thumb when pruning flowering trees and shrubs that bloom on new wood is to do the pruning in late winter or early spring. Those that bloom on old wood should be pruned immediately after they flower so as not to harm its blooms for next spring.

And finally, diseased, dead or any type of damaged branches can be removed at any time.

Contact Fran Sorin at fransorin.com.