Click here to print - Click here to close this window
Gardening Know How Questions & Answers - https://questions.gardeningknowhow.comCan I trim branches off of my Japanese maple, cut down and trim my butterfly bushes, hydrangeas, etc. or is it better to wait for spring or do it now? They need trimming. What bushes and trees need to be trimmed back and when is the best time for it? Also, are mums perennials? Thank you.
Article printed from Gardening Know How Questions & Answers: https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com
URL to article: https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com/pruningtrimmingcutting-down-a/
URLs in this post:
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-pruning-how-to-prune-a-butterfly-bush.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-pruning-how-to-prune-a-butterfly-bush.htm
[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm
[3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/wintering-mums.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/wintering-mums.htm
Have any questions about this topic? Visit us at https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com to ask your questions and get friendly answers from gardening experts.
You can also find us at:
'Like' us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardeningknowhow
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gardenknowhow - @gardenknowhow
Follow us on Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/gardenknowhow/
Copyright © 2026 Gardening Know How Questions & Answers. All rights reserved.
1 Comment To "pruning, trimming, cutting down"
#1 Comment By Downtoearthdigs On 09/22/2015 @ 1:30 am
Unless you live in a cold climate, most pruning of trees and shrubs takes place during dormancy. Maples are usually best pruned in late summer/early fall, though may be done in early spring when necessary. These articles should help with your shrubs: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/butterfly-bush-pruning-how-to-prune-a-butterfly-bush.htm [1]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/prune-hydrangea-bushes-hydrangea-pruning-instructions.htm [2]
Yes, mums are perennials. Here is information on winterizing these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/wintering-mums.htm [3]