Should Hydrangea Macrophylla Be Pruned

Question From: Far Hills, New Jersey, United States
Q: I have many hydrangea macrophylla, all of which have been nibbled by the deer and there are no buds left on the plant. Should I cut them back severely as I did last winter due to winter damage, or just leave them alone. I know there will be no blooms this summer.

A:
Hydrangea macrophyllas do not need pruning - ever. Pruning will produce larger flowers but weaker stems. Dead stems should be removed= for the sake of aesthetics. If they were mine I would probably figure the deer did the job and let nature take its course. However, the choice is yours. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy