For homeowners in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, and Shelby County, late winter and early spring are prime time for shaping shrubs, removing winter damage, and preparing the garden for new growth. Whether you handle pruning yourself or hire a professional pruning service, knowing what to trim (and what not to trim) will set the stage for a healthier, more beautiful spring landscape.
🗓 Late Winter Pruning Schedule for Memphis, TN
Late February through early March is generally ideal for many plants including:
Deciduous trees — remove dead wood and crossing limbs
Crape myrtles — shape wisely (no “crape murder!”)
Rose bushes — trim to outward-facing buds for bigger blooms
Fruit trees — encourage airflow to reduce disease
Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood (panicle & smooth varieties)
This timing supports plant health by pruning while dormant — just before vigorous spring bud growth begins.
👉 Important: Prune on mild days when temperatures stay above freezing. Avoid pruning during hard freezes or cold snaps.
🌿 What to Trim Right Now
Below is a quick guide to what you can confidently prune in Middle Tennessee before spring leaf-out:
✔ Trees
Remove broken branches from winter storms
Cut out dead or diseased wood
Thin congested branches for better airflow
Make proper cuts just outside the branch collar — never flush cut
✔ Shrubs
Lightly shape overgrown hedges and foundation shrubs
Great timing for boxwood, spirea, abelia, and hollies
Remove crossing or weak stems to improve structure
✔ Perennials & Ornamental Grasses
Cut back last year’s dried foliage before new growth appears
Remove frost-damaged tissue to prevent rot
👉 Because some grasses and semi-evergreen perennials begin growing early, identify the species first before cutting back.
This forms the foundation of your spring garden cleanup, promoting healthy new growth and a tidy appearance.
🚫 What NOT to Trim Yet
Some popular plants in Tennessee bloom on old wood, meaning buds are already set from last year. Pruning now removes your spring flowers.
Hold off on pruning:
Azaleas & Camellias
Spring-blooming hydrangeas (bigleaf/mophead & oakleaf varieties)
Forsythia & Lilac
Wait until after they finish blooming to maintain next season’s flower display.
Hydrangea Tip:
Before pruning, confirm whether your hydrangea blooms on old wood (prune after blooming) or new wood (safe to prune now).
🌸 Crape Myrtle & Rose Bush Trimming Tips
🌳 Crape Myrtles
Never top or flat-cut the canopy — causes weak regrowth
Remove suckers at the base
Thin inward-growing and rubbing branches
Create an open, vase-like structure
🌹 Roses
Prune back to strong, outward-facing buds
Keep the center open to improve airflow
Remove dead, thin, or crossing stems
A little attention now = a whole lot more blooms later.
🛠 Winter Damage & Dead Wood Removal
Memphis weather often swings between warm and freezing, leading to:
Split branches
Dieback
Pest entry points
Removing winter-damaged or diseased wood now prevents problems from spreading as temperatures rise.
While you’re at it → disinfect your pruning tools between plants to reduce disease transfer.
🤝 When to Call a Professional
Not comfortable climbing ladders? Unsure which shrubs bloom on old vs. new wood? That’s where we come in.
Green Earth provides:
Tree pruning in Olive Branch, MS
Shrub trimming in Cordova
Pruning services in Bartlett, TN
Spring cleanup in Piperton
Landscaping services throughout Collierville, Germantown, and Memphis
Our trained team ensures proper cuts that protect plant health and long-term growth.
🌼 A Healthier Spring Starts Now
Pruning isn’t just cutting — it’s caring. It builds plant resilience, encourages vibrant blooms, and keeps your landscape looking its best. Completing your late winter pruning in Shelby County now helps your landscape spring forward with strong growth and fresh color.
🍃 Ready to give your garden a strong start?
📞 Contact Green Earth Landscaping & Irrigation today to schedule your pruning service or spring garden cleanup.
Let’s grow something beautiful together this year. 🌱✨