For the most detailed guide to pruning, the Virginia Cooperative Extension has published a listing of selected trees and shrubs and recommended monthly dates to prune.
See this "how to prune guide" linked here, in the pdf document.
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May List (Pruning is Okay)
Almond, Flowering (also: June, July);
Azalea, Deciduous (also: June, July); After flowering...
Azalea, Evergreen (also: June, July); After flowering...
Barberry, Deciduous (also: June, July);
Barberry, Evergreen (also: June, July);
Bayberry (also: March, April, June);
Boxwood (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Camellia, Japanese (also: April, June);
Camellia, Sasanqua (also: March, April);
Cherry laurel [Prunus](also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Crape Myrtle (also, January, February);
Daphne (Fragrant or Winter): (also: April, June, July);
Eleagnus, Thorny (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Euonymus, Evergreen (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Forsythia (also: April, June, July);
Fothergilla (also: June, July);
Honeysuckle (also: April, June);
Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis) (also: June, July);
Jasmine, Winter (also: April, June, July);
Juniper (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Mahonia, Oregon Grapeholly (also, June, July);
Photinia (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Pieris (also: June, July);
Pine, Mugo (also: January, April, June, December);
Pittosporum (also: February, March, April);
Privet, Deciduous [Ligustrum] (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Privet, Evergreen [Ligustrum] (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Quince (also: April, June, July);
Serviceberry (also: April, June);
Spirea, Spring-blooming (also, June);
Viburnum, Deciduous (also: June, July);
Viburnum, Evergreen (also: June);
Weigela (also: June, July);
Willow, Pussy (also: April, June, July);
Witchhazel (also: April, June, July);
Yew (also: January, February, March, April, June, July, Nov., Dec.);
Exceptions:
1) Timing varies across USDA climate zones; zones within Virginia range from 8a in the Virginia Beach area to 5b along the West Virginia border;
2) Prune anytime to correct vandalism damage and hazards created by equipment or weather;
3) Hedges maintained formally (tight shapes) require more pruning than hedges maintained informally (in their natural form).
Flowering Trees/Shrubs:
With trees and shrubs which produce flowers on wood from the past season, if pruning is done while dormant, flowers will be reduced.
