Can you prune plants in summer?
Why summer pruning matters (and why now is the time to schedule yours)
At Reder Landscaping, our crews are in full swing with summer pruning. This seasonal maintenance step plays a bigger role than many homeowners realize, it’s essential to keeping your landscape healthy, polished, and performing well through the rest of the growing season here in Mid-Michigan.
When Is the Right Time to Prune in Summer?
In Mid-Michigan, the best window for summer pruning runs from late June through August. By this point in the season, most trees and shrubs have completed their spring flush and are settling into slower, steadier growth. That makes it the ideal time to step in and fine-tune things—shaping, thinning, and managing size without interfering with new development.
Summer pruning is different from the heavier structural pruning we do in winter. Instead, it’s about:
- Removing unruly or excessive growth
- Cutting back suckers and water sprouts (especially common on crabapples and ornamental trees)
- Opening dense areas to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Shaping plants to maintain a clean, balanced appearance
- Helping shrubs like spirea and potentilla rebloom with a mid-season trim
Done right and at the right time, summer pruning sets your landscape up for better health now and stronger performance next season.
Why Summer Pruning Is Especially Important in Mid-Michigan
Our climate encourages quick, lush growth in spring, especially in years with plenty of rain. That’s great for color and fullness but it can also mean your landscape starts to look a little wild by late June.
By mid-summer, you might notice:
- Shrubs blocking windows, walkways, or sightlines
- Overgrown foundation plantings losing their shape
- Ornamental trees sending up water sprouts or base suckers
- Increased risk of fungal issues in plants with dense interiors
Summer pruning helps rein things in before they become problems. It also gives us a clear view of each plant’s structure while it’s fully leafed out, so we can make smarter, more targeted cuts.
Which Plants Benefit Most from Summer Pruning?
Plenty of plants in Mid-Michigan landscapes respond well to a mid-season trim. Some of the most common include:
- Boxwood – Keeps a tidy, compact form and reduces disease pressure
- Hydrangeas – Some varieties can be selectively shaped or deadheaded
- Spirea – A light cut encourages fresh growth and a second bloom
- Lilacs – Best pruned after spring flowering to set the stage for next year
- Yews and Arborvitae – Helps maintain a clean outline in foundation plantings
- Crabapples & other ornamentals – Removes interior clutter and excess growth
Every plant is different—some prefer light touch-ups, while others benefit from more aggressive thinning. That’s why we tailor our approach based on species, location, and your overall landscape goals.
Pruning with a Purpose
At Reder, pruning isn’t just about appearance. Every cut we make is purposeful—whether it’s improving airflow, correcting growth patterns, or helping a plant stay in scale with your home and surrounding landscape.
Our crews are trained in plant-specific pruning techniques so we’re not just cutting for shape—we’re cutting for health, structure, and long-term success. You won’t find us hacking back shrubs indiscriminately. We take the time to assess each plant and prune with the bigger picture in mind.
Now Is the Time to Schedule
We’re currently out in the field performing summer prunes, and this window won’t last forever. If your landscape is feeling overgrown, unbalanced, or just in need of a refresh, now’s the time to get on the schedule.
Whether you need a full-property prune or just want specific areas cleaned up, our team is here to help you make the most of this crucial mid-season service.
Let’s get your landscape looking its best.
Call us at 989-835-8260 or request a quote here to schedule your summer pruning service today.