Q: The ice and snow have broken lots of branches on my shrubs. Should I prune them right away or wait until spring?
A: As the wild weather progresses, there is some danger that your shrubs might sustain more injuries. But even with the possibility of future damage, you should tend to the current injuries as soon as possible. You can always trim again if we have more damaging weather.
When you remove damaged branches, you will help the plant to avoid the danger of disease or insect infestation. When ice or snow load cracks or breaks branches, the broken part will die, but the problem is the ragged wound where the branch was damaged. You can neatly and cleanly cut off the cracked or broken branch with a sharp pruning saw or clippers. This will prevent further tearing of bark or stem and will help the plant to heal the open cut.
Experts say there is no need for tree paint or heavy sealants. Plants can heal the wound. Most plants will recover quickly in spring if the damaged area is cleaned up and if shredded wounds are neatly trimmed.
Problems like later fungus infestations and insect problems will be avoided by prompt action. In fact, by pruning at this point in the season, your plants will have optimum energy for growth in the spring.