Plus, since most plants are dormant in winter, pruning causes less stress and reduces the risk of disease. Think of it as giving your trees and shrubs a fresh start-like a clean slate for the year ...

MILAN, Ill. (KWQC) -Pruning trees may not be the first thing that comes to mind when the winter chill sets in, but it is, in fact, one of the best times to tackle this essential garden task.

Additionally, pruning in winter allows the tree to begin sealing the wound immediately at the start of the growing season. This decreases the amount of sap flow and provides a longer healing period.

It’s not just trees and shrubs that need pruning ... crocosmia and asters. It will make the garden look tidier and stop pests from using the leaves as shelter over winter.