Indian Hawthornes – Can I Prune Now?

Q: I have some Indian hawthornes that I want to want to prune to keep off the house and sidewalk. Can I prune now?

A: You can do severe pruning anytime between January and early March. But keep in mind that the longer you wait, the less time you’ll be faced with the stark white stubs left after pruning. Consider too that anything more than “nipping and tipping” will remove flower buds. Honestly, I’d wait until the shrub’s spring flowering ends to do the surgery.