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Depends on what you have! As a general rule, prune spring-flowering shrubs such as azalea, forsythia, lilac, magnolia and viburnum within 6 weeks after they finish blooming and summer-flowering shrubs such as hydrangea, potentilla, rose of Sharon and spirea in late fall, winter or early spring. Shape evergreens such as arborvitae, boxwood, juniper and yew in early spring. The new growth in May will fill out any bare patches. Any further tidying up can be done in June after the new growth has hardened off