Regular trimming helps maintain the aesthetic and overall health of your bushes, which plays a major role in the overall look of your landscape. It’s not just about keeping things neat and tidy—there are numerous benefits to trimming bushes regularly. However, many people don’t understand the best time for trimming, making this task a little daunting. If your bushes aren’t trimmed during peak time, you could risk damaging the bushes or even causing death in some cases. While you can remove dead branches any time of the year, trimming involves removing branches that are still alive and healthy. This is why it’s important to fully understand when the best time for trimming bushes is for your area.

Best Time to Trim Bushes in Central Indiana
The type of bush and its growing and blooming cycle is the determining factor as to what time is ideal for trimming. While most deciduous trees, trees that lose their leaves, in Central Indian should be trimmed in late winter or very early spring, bushes can be a bit different. In Central Indiana, seasonal weather conditions play a major role in determining the best trimming schedule for different plants.
Spring-Blooming Shrubs (Trimming After Blooming)
Examples: Lilacs, Forsythia, Azaleas, Rhododendrons
Best Time to Trim: Immediately after flowers fade (late spring/early summer)
Why? These bushes set their buds in the previous year, so trimming too early (before they bloom) will reduce flowering for the season.
Summer-Blooming and Non-Flowering Shrubs (Trimming in Late Winter/Early Spring)
Examples: Hydrangeas, Rose of Sharon, Butterfly Bush, Boxwood
Best Time to Trim: Late winter to early spring (before new growth starts)
Why? These are similar to your trees, which should be trimmed before the growing season begins. These shrubs bloom on new growth, so pruning before the growing season encourages intense, healthy blooms.
Evergreens (Minimal Trimming Needed – Late Spring/Early Summer)
Examples: Arborvitae, Juniper, Holly, Yew
Best Time to Trim: Late spring to early summer
Why? Evergreens grow slowly and don’t require frequent trimming. Light shaping is best done after the first flush of spring growth to avoid stressing the plant.
Call Calvin Landscape Today!
At Calvin Landscape, we provide expert trimming services designed to ensure the health and longevity of your bushes. Our team is highly skilled in identifying the best times for trimming and knows exactly how to handle each type of shrub, ensuring optimal results.
Whether you need regular trimming to keep your bushes in shape or want a thorough spring cleanup, we are here to help. With our experience in Central Indiana landscaping, we understand how to work with the local climate to help your bushes thrive.
Don’t let your bushes become overgrown or unhealthy. Regular trimming is essential to maintaining a beautiful, vibrant landscape, and the team at Calvin Landscape is here to help. Contact us today at 317-247-6316 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our trimming services can improve the health and appearance of your landscape. Let us help you keep your outdoor space looking its best all year long.