Prune your tree hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) after growth has stopped in the fall or before new growth in the spring.  Tree hydrangeas can take a heavy pruning with ease.  Don’t be afraid to prune them.

Your goal when pruning tree hydrangeas is to:

1. Remove crossing branches.
2. Remove dead branches.
3. Remove last years flower buds.
4. Thin out weak stems to encourage larger blooms.
5. Make room for new growth.

The first time you prune your tree hydrangea it’s probably going to take a while.  Take it one cut at a time and you’ll do fine.

The video above goes into all the detail you need to get the job done.  Please post any questions in the comments below.

By John Holden