We have boxwood bushes surrounding our flagpole that need serious pruning. When should this be done – spring or fall and how much pruning can they handle?
It is best to prune boxwood in spring so the new growth will fill in and be mature before winter. Pruning late in the season won’t give the new growth time to “harden off” before freezing so it (the new growth, not the entire plant) will likely turn brown over winter. Never remove more than 1/3 of the total foliage at any one pruning. Light, frequent pruning is best for boxwood.