When should bushes and other plants be pruned?

Is there a general time, like spring or fall, that they should be cut back? Or does it just depend on what type of plant it is?

Hi Vine,
It depends on the zone that you live in.
I like to use the Better Homes and Gardens website
to be sure or your local landscaping and garden center can help you determine what is best for your locality. Below is the link to access your area.
Zone finder and zips is to the left of the page.
Hope this helps.

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/...

Vine,
Late winter through spring is always the best time to prune shrubs. Pruning in the fall may stimulate new growth which is very susceptible to the cold and may cause damage to the plant. Something else to remember is if you are pruning flowering shrubs to "prune after Bloom". Some plants like azaleas set buds for their blooms the previous year. If you prune before the plant blooms, the plant will not bloom. Other plants set their buds on new growth and can be pruned in late winter or spring with no effecton flowering. If you see buds on the plant in winter, wait until after the plant flowers. A good article on pruning can be found a http://wickedgoodgardens.com...

Most bushes bloom on new growth, so the best time to prune most plants is after they are finished blooming. They also go through thier normal dormant period some time after blooming so by having less "bush" to support, the roots feed the roots, which makes them stronger.

jch