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Late Summer Pruning Guide: What to Cut Back Now in Northern Virginia and Why It Matters

  • holly4704
  • Aug 4
  • 3 min read

As late summer settles over Northern Virginia, your trees and shrubs are at a critical point in their annual growth cycle. This makes August the perfect time to prune certain plants—but only if you know which ones. Strategic pruning now not only boosts your landscape’s aesthetics but also prepares plants for stronger growth and fewer pests next spring.


Let’s explore the top plants you should prune now in Northern Virginia, and why this is one of the best windows to do it.


🌿 Why Late Summer Pruning Works


By August, spring-flowering trees and shrubs have set their buds for next year, and summer-blooming plants are starting to wind down. That means it’s too late to prune spring bloomers like azaleas and lilacs—but it’s just the right time for summer bloomers and fast growers that need shaping or rejuvenation.


Plus, pruning now allows time for wounds to heal before winter while avoiding the vigorous growth spurts triggered by spring cuts.


🌳 Trees and Shrubs to Prune Now


1. Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia)


These Southern favorites thrive in our region and benefit from light summer pruning. Remove suckers, crossed branches, and spent flowers to encourage a clean shape and possible re-blooming.


> Pro Tip: Avoid "crape murder" (severe topping). Instead, opt for selective thinning to maintain natural structure.


2. Hydrangeas (Panicle & Smooth varieties)


Hydrangeas like Hydrangea paniculata (‘Limelight’) and Hydrangea arborescens (‘Annabelle’) bloom on new wood, making them ideal for pruning in late summer or early fall after their flowers fade.


Trim stems to shape or reduce height, and remove any weak or dead growth.


3. Shrub Roses (Knock Out and other landscape roses)


By now, most landscape roses have bloomed several times. Light pruning helps remove spent blooms, shape the plant, and encourage another flush of flowers before fall.


4. Privet, Boxwood, and Other Formal Hedges


Fast-growing evergreen hedges like boxwood and privet often look unruly by late summer. Prune now to maintain neat shapes and prevent overgrowth heading into fall.


> Safety Note: Late summer is a safe window before the cold sets in, but stop heavy pruning by mid-September so new growth can harden off before frost.


5. Vigorous Vines (Wisteria, Trumpet Vine, Clematis)


Aggressive growers like wisteria and trumpet vine may need taming this time of year. Prune out whippy, sprawling shoots and spent flowers to keep them in check and protect nearby structures.


❌ What Not to Prune Now


Spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs, forsythia, and azaleas (they’ve already set buds for next year)


Evergreens like pine and spruce (prune these in late winter or early spring)


Fruit trees—these are best pruned when fully dormant


✂️ Benefits of Late Summer Pruning


Reduces risk of pest infestations like borers and fungal diseases


Encourages strong, healthy branching before winter dormancy


Prevents unwanted seeding or spread of aggressive species


Keeps landscape looking tidy and well-maintained into fall


🛑 When in Doubt, Call a Certified Arborist


Improper pruning can do more harm than good. If you’re unsure which plants to prune or how to make the best cuts, it’s worth calling a pro.


At Potomac Tree and Shrub, our ISA Certified Arborists take the guesswork out of pruning. We tailor our approach based on the species, condition, and growth habits of your trees and shrubs—maximizing long-term health and curb appeal.


📞 Ready to Get Expert Pruning Help?


Now is the time to clean up overgrown shrubs and summer-blooming trees before fall sets in.


📲 Call Jeremy today at 571.354.1153

🌐 Or request a consultation at www.potomactree.com


We serve homeowners, HOAs, estate managers, and commercial properties across Northern Virginia, improving the urban forest—one tree at a time.



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