It's generally
not recommended to prune a burning bush in the spring. Here's why:
* New growth: Burning bushes produce their vibrant fall foliage on new wood, which is the growth from the current year. Pruning in the spring removes this new growth, reducing the amount of fall color you'll see.
* Flowering: Some varieties of burning bush produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring. Pruning in the spring can reduce or eliminate these flowers.
When to prune burning bush:
* Late winter or early spring (before new growth emerges): This is the best time to prune for shaping and removing dead or diseased branches.
* After flowering (late spring or early summer): You can lightly prune after the plant has finished flowering to maintain its shape.
Exceptions:
* Newly planted burning bush: You can prune it back to encourage bushier growth.
* Severely damaged branches: If the plant has been damaged by winter weather or pests, you can prune the damaged branches at any time.
Important note: Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.