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Prune at the right time for your shrub

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pruning shears
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1Dead, damaged, diseased: any time

Removing dead, dying or clearly diseased wood is fine in any season — that rule doesn't wait for dormancy. Sanitize the blade between cuts with a bleach or alcohol solution if disease is involved, so you're not spreading it plant to plant.

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2Why prune at all

Beyond looks, pruning removes wood that's rubbing or crossing (which opens wounds for disease later), opens the center to sunlight and airflow so leaves dry faster after rain, and can redirect the plant's energy toward flowering or fruiting instead of just height.

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3The one-third rule

Most extension guidance caps a single pruning session at removing about a third of the plant's live growth. Taking more than that in one go stresses the plant and can trigger a flush of weak, whip-like regrowth instead of healthy structure.

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