Identify the hydrangea type before pruning
Prune bigleaf, oakleaf, mountain, and climbing hydrangeas after flowering
Prune panicle and smooth hydrangeas in late winter or early spring
Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems first
Cut spent flower heads just above the first pair of healthy buds
Thin crowded stems by cutting some stems at the base
Remove the oldest stems at the base to encourage new growth
Avoid heavy pruning on old wood bloomers
Use clean, sharp pruning shears
Disinfect tools before and after pruning
Stop pruning once the plant shape is balanced
Avoid pruning during active bud formation on old wood varieties
Remove weak or crossing branches
Leave healthy buds on each stem
Dispose of pruned material properly