Pruning shrubs is one of the most misunderstood tasks in the North Texas garden. Many homeowners reach for the hedge trimmers without realizing that the wrong pruning method or timing can eliminate blooms, damage plant structure, or weaken the shrub over time. In this episode, I walk through how to prune shrubs correctly in late winter and early spring, the most common mistakes I see in North Texas landscapes, and the simple principles that will keep your shrubs healthy, beautiful, and properly shaped.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to determine the right time to prune shrubs, especially flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood • The difference between shearing shrubs and selective pruning, and why most plants need a combination of both • The simple “Three D’s” rule for pruning • Why aggressive pruning practices weaken plants and reduce flowering   Resources mentioned in this episode: The 2026 North Texas Garden Planner Plan, track, and manage your garden with region-specific planting schedules and weekly task lists. https://thedallasgarden.com Dallas Garden School Enrollment Get access to all live classes, replays, and the full on-demand library of more than forty gardening classes. https://learn.thedallasgarden.com/enroll-in-the-dallas-garden-school Website https://thedallasgarden.com Instagram https://instagram.com/thedallasgardenschool If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Reviews help more North Texas gardeners discover practical, research-based advice for growing beautiful and productive gardens.