Pruning Staghorn Sumac

(Question)

Our Sumac is more than 15 years old and has never been pruned. It is extremely tall and spindly. Can it be severely pruned back?

(Answer)

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a large suckering deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 metres (20 feet) tall. Sumacs generally require annual pruning to control their size and shape. Sucker removal will likely be necessary, particularly if you want to control spreading. Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune, when the plant is still dormant before leaves appear on the stems. Staghorn sumacs can be pruned back drastically but will likely sucker at the base as the result of a hard prune.

For more information:

How to Prune a Staghorn Sumac

22/05/22