As the vibrant colors of fall fade and Spokane’s landscape settles into winter dormancy, it might seem like the time to hang up your gardening gloves. Winter is a crucial time to care for trees and shrubs, especially for dormant pruning.

If you’re a homeowner, gardener, or property manager in the Inland Northwest, understanding the value of dormant pruning can make a big difference in the health, safety, and beauty of your landscape.

What Is Dormant Pruning?

Dormant pruning refers to the practice of trimming trees and shrubs during their dormant season, typically from late fall through early spring—when plants are not actively growing. In Spokane’s Zone 6a climate, the ideal window is usually late January through early March, depending on weather conditions and plant species. [cultivatingflora.com]

During this time, deciduous trees have shed their leaves, and metabolic activity slows down. This “resting” phase makes it the perfect time to shape, thin, or remove branches without stressing the plant.

Why Dormant Pruning Matters in Spokane

1. Healthier Trees & Shrubs – Pruning during dormancy allows trees to heal before spring growth begins. Without the pressure of supporting leaves or fruit, trees can focus energy on sealing wounds and preparing for vigorous spring growth. In Spokane’s cold winters, this timing is especially important. Pruning too early in the fall or too late in spring can expose plants to frost damage or disease.
2. Disease & Pest Prevention – Many tree diseases and pests, like borers and fungal pathogens, are inactive during winter. Pruning in this window reduces the risk of infections that can enter through fresh cuts. For example, beetles that attack birch and pine trees are dormant in winter, making it safer to prune these species.
3. Improved Visibility & Precision – With leaves gone, it’s easier to see a tree’s structure. This allows for more accurate pruning decisions, such as removing crossing branches, deadwood, or limbs that threaten structures or power lines. This is especially helpful in Spokane’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, where tree placement can be tight and safety is a concern.
4. Storm Damage Prevention – Spokane winters often bring heavy snow and ice. Weak or overgrown branches are more likely to break under this weight, posing risks to people, property, and the tree itself. Dormant pruning helps eliminate these hazards before storms hit.
5. Encourages Strong Spring Growth – By removing unnecessary or unhealthy branches, dormant pruning redirects energy to the healthiest parts of the plant. This results in more vigorous spring growth, better flowering, and improved fruit production for trees like apples, pears, and cherries.

What to Prune (and What to Avoid)

Good Candidates for Winter Pruning:

• • Deciduous trees: maple, oak, elm, birch
  • Fruit trees: apple, pear, cherry
  • Shrubs that bloom on new wood: butterfly bush, panicle hydrangea, spirea

Avoid Pruning in Winter:

• • Spring-blooming shrubs: lilacs, forsythia, rhododendrons (prune after they bloom)
  • Evergreens: pine, spruce, and fir are best pruned in summer to avoid winter injury.

Spokane-Specific Considerations

Spokane’s climate, cold winters, dry summers, and occasional late frosts—makes timing critical. Pruning too early in fall can stimulate new growth that won’t survive winter. Waiting until deep winter ensures trees are fully dormant and less susceptible to damage.

Also, Spokane’s native and ornamental trees often face pest pressures from beetles and fungal diseases. Winter pruning helps reduce these risks while improving the long-term health of your landscape.

Tips for Successful Dormant Pruning

• • Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of disease.
  • Avoid over-pruning, removing more than 25% of a tree’s canopy can stress it.
  • Focus on structure: Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches first.
  • Hire a certified arborist from Greenleaf Landscaping, serving the Spokane area for large trees or complex pruning jobs.

Dormant pruning is more than just a seasonal chore, it’s a proactive investment in your landscape’s health, safety, and beauty. In Spokane’s unique climate, taking advantage of the winter months to prune your trees and shrubs can lead to stronger, more resilient plants coming spring.

Whether you’re managing a backyard orchard, a row of ornamental maples, or a commercial property, winter is the perfect time to give your trees the care they need to thrive. Call Greenleaf Landscaping today for your FREE ESTIMATE!