Experts Reveal Top Plants to Prune in April Before It's Too Late

Gardening pros share the best shrubs, trees, and perennials to trim up this spring.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:00pm

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As the weather warms up, it's time for gardeners to get outside and start pruning their plants. Experts from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and Atlanta Botanical Garden share the top plants that should be trimmed in April, including crepe myrtles, spring-flowering shrubs, catmint, twig dogwoods, vitex trees, and certain types of hydrangeas.

Why it matters

Proper spring pruning helps plants prepare for the stresses of summer, improving airflow, reducing disease pressure, and establishing resilience. However, it's important to time the pruning correctly, as some plants should only be trimmed after they've finished blooming for the year.

The details

According to the experts, March through April is an ideal time for pruning because the risk of freezing weather has mostly passed, allowing new growth to emerge without being damaged. They recommend removing any broken, split, or crossing branches on shrubs and trees, as well as addressing any lingering winter damage. Thinning plants also improves airflow and reduces disease pressure.

  • March through April is the best time for spring pruning, as the risk of freezing weather has mostly passed.
  • Pruning should be done before plants break dormancy and develop new growth.

The players

Megan Proska

Associate vice president, horticulture and collections at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Amanda Bennett

Vice president of horticulture and collections, and certified arborist at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

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What they’re saying

“March through April is a good time to prune because freeze risk is mostly past. This means new growth is less likely to be cold-burned, and wounds will heal faster since the plant is in a growing stage.”

— Megan Proska, Associate vice president, horticulture and collections

“If you see broken or split branches on shrubs or trees or crossing branches, it's a good time to remove them. Also, look for deciduous trees that weren't able to get over their winter damage and have those pruned for structural and safety reasons.”

— Amanda Bennett, Vice president of horticulture and collections, and certified arborist

What’s next

Gardeners should inspect their plants and identify any that need pruning, then schedule time to complete the necessary trimming before the end of April.

The takeaway

Spring pruning is an essential part of garden maintenance, helping plants prepare for the stresses of summer. By timing the pruning correctly and focusing on the right plants, gardeners can ensure their landscapes stay healthy and vibrant all season long.