Timing

• Spring is the safest time to prune evergreen shrubs. February, March and April are ideal times for most, with supplemental trims in June and July, if necessary. Fall is the most dangerous time to prune evergreens.
  
  

Significance

• Pruning evergreen trees at the wrong time -- particularly in autumn -- causes them to produce new growths during dangerous times of the year when they may not survive plunging winter temperatures and ice damage. On the other hand, pruning in late winter and early spring promotes a flourish of spring growth.
  
  

Considerations

• Evergreens rarely require pruning. Unless diseased or in need of shaping for garden attractiveness, they maintain their health if allowed to grow to their full, natural size.