Pruning rue encourages vigorous growth and maintains its desired shape. Regular trimming removes dead wood and promotes a more robust structure, enhancing the plant's aesthetic and overall health.

Pruning rue in early spring promotes healthy new growth, as the plant is emerging from dormancy and can recover quickly from pruning stress. This timing aligns with the plant’s natural growth cycle, rejuvenating rue and encouraging a robust structure. Trimming during this period also prevents unnecessary loss of vital energy that the plant needs for spring growth, which could occur if pruned too late in the growing season. Late fall pruning is suitable as it prepares rue for winter by removing any dead or diseased foliage, minimizing the risk of fungal infections or infestations that can proliferate in decaying plant material. It is important, however, to ensure this is done before the first winter frost to prevent damage to new cuts that can occur in freezing temperatures. Both timings ensure the plant maintains its shape and size and contributes to the overall health and productivity of rue, including its flowering or fruiting performances in the following season.