Winter Pruning as the plants are still growing

garybridger · November 2023

Some of my Japanese maples and twisted Willow I still growing shoots like crazy

I’ve read the pruning section here

Nothing said about pruning plants in winter

if they are still shooting out shoots, can these be pruned back or should they be left?

Joyce Goldenlily · November 2023

If your plants are still shooting, or are still carrying leaves, I would leave them alone until cold weather comes in to stop them and they have dropped all of their leaves.
One of my apple trees still has almost a complete head of foliage so I am still waiting to prune it.

Fairygirl · November 2023

If they're still growing @garybridger then just wait - probably the end of winter will suit you better if they aren't already dormant. In mild areas of the UK many plants are still growing, and light frosts won't stop that. They have to be more severe [in the below minus 3 or 4 and beyond] or there has to be a consistent spell of the lighter ones to push plants into dormancy properly.
Maples can be pruned while still growing, but if you're unsure, it's better to wait. The amount of pruning is also a factor. There's a big difference between taking off a few dead shoots, or the odd inch or two, and taking branches back much further. It's always a gamble if you go back into live wood at this time of year.

Willows are pretty indestructible, so you could probably cut back now, even if you get some frost/ice in a week or two. Is it one of those types that has been grown as a standard?

Winter Pruning as the plants are still growing

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