Further to the question on pruning lilacs, there are other shrubs that should be pruned early in the season and those that can wait.

General rule of thumb – Shrubs that bloom in summer or fall are blooming on the current year’s growth. Prune in late fall once the blooms are done, or early spring before they begin to sprout new growth.

Shrubs that bloom in spring are doing so on the previous year’s growth and should be pruned immediately after their blooms begin to die off to ensure good blooms the following spring.