5 Reasons to Consider Dormant Pruning for Your Landscape This Winter

If you want healthier, better-shaped trees and shrubs next spring, winter is one of the best times to prune. If your plants are getting too large for their space, dormant pruning is Horticultural the best practice. Dormant pruning gives your plants a strong foundation for the growing season while keeping your landscape looking clean and intentional year-round.

Here are five reasons homeowners in Mid-Michigan should consider dormant pruning this winter:

1. It Helps Control Size and Growth

If your shrubs or ornamental trees are starting to outgrow their space, dormant pruning is one of the best ways to manage long-term size. Strategic cuts during winter guide new growth in spring, helping plants stay balanced, safe, and properly sized for the area they’re in.

2. It Creates a More Natural, Beautiful Shape

Dormant pruning is DONE ENTIRELY BY HAND, allowing our team to shape each tree and shrub with precision and intention. This technique enhances the plant’s natural form without the harsh, mechanical look of shearing. The result is a landscape that feels clean, refined, and well-maintained.

3. Pruning in Winter Reduces Stress on Your Plants

Cutting during the growing season forces plants to divert energy toward healing. But in winter, they’re resting, which means cuts seal more efficiently and with less stress. Dormant pruning also helps limit the spread of fungus, pests and diseases.

4. Dormant Pruning Improves Overall Plant Health

When plants are dormant, it’s easier to see their structure and perform CORRECTIVE PRUNING, making winter the ideal time to remove dead, crossing, or diseased branches. This improves airflow, reduces the chance of fungal issues, and encourages healthier, stronger growth in spring.

5. You Don’t Need Dormant Pruning Every Year

Dormant pruning is a long-lasting service, many plants only need it every few years.
That means healthier structure, fewer major corrective cuts, and long-term savings on landscape maintenance.

Is Dormant Pruning Right for Your Landscape?

If you’re looking to improve plant health, maintain shape, or simply give your landscape a clean start before spring, dormant pruning is a smart choice.
Our team at Reder Landscaping specializes in expert, hand-crafted pruning tailored to the needs of each plant.

Contact us to schedule a winter pruning visit or request an evaluation. Call 989-835-8260 or click here.