When is time to prune trees

Ice and snow buildup can easily end in an expensive accident. Removing damaged branches also limits the chances that trees will become infected with pathogens. But trimming trees can be a tough job. Focus those efforts on pruning at the ideal time. Because trees go dormant in cold weather, winter is the ideal time to prune and shape them.

Late-winter, early-spring trimming helps trees sink all their valuable energy into producing healthy new growth once the weather warms. Trimming too early can damage or remove buds, drastically reducing the number of flowers that appear during bloom time. Examples are magnolia, crabapple, and redbud trees. Honey Locusts should be pruned when they are dormant in late winter as it is best to prune in dry conditions.

Shrubs that are grown primarily for their foliage rather than showy flowers should be pruned in the spring before growth begins. After the initial pruning that takes place at planting, hedges need to be pruned often. Typically hedges can be pruned twice a year, in spring and then again in mid summer. With few exceptions, evergreens conifers require little pruning. Different types of evergreens should be pruned according to their varied growth habits.

When you book your winter tree pruning services early, you save money and have peace of mind. Call today and speak to one of our arborists directly about reserving your spot.

Our arborists will learn more about your plant and ensure that we build the most comprehensive pruning and maintenance plan specifically for your plant. Tree Trimming and Removal. Plant Health Care. Tree Inventory and Mapping. Meet The Team. August 19, From November through March, most trees are dormant which makes it the ideal time for the following reasons: Trees are less susceptible to insects or disease.

Get a Quote. Read Our Other Blogs. Most tree branches that are cut back to the trunk or a main branch will require three cuts to prevent damage to the bark. The first two cuts remove the weight from the tree branch, and the final cut is designed for the best callus growth. Choose a location an inch further out from your first cut. Carefully cut down until the branch breaks free.

This is the stem tissue around the base of the branch. With most trees, you'll see a slight swelling and rougher bark in this area.

You want to make your final cut just to the outside of this collar, but without leaving a stub. Make a complete cut with a degree angle kicking out from the base of the tree. This prevents water damage and encourages the quick formation of the callus.

Pruning trees may seem like a large project — and it can be. I recommend leaving large, established shade trees to qualified arborists and tree care professionals. They have the appropriate equipment and training to remove large branches safely.

Ornamental and fruit trees are the perfect place to start learning how to prune a tree. Most are easily accessible and require simple tools. A proactive homeowner begins pruning as soon as a tree is planted. Diseased, dead and broken branches should be removed right away. Pruning for shape isn't necessary until the first winter after planting.

Regular pruning throughout the life of a tree reduces the amount of work necessary and the stress on the tree. Pruning a tree a little each year creates a strong and beautiful tree from the very beginning.

There is never a bad time to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. But most trees benefit from pruning in mid to late winter. Pruning during dormancy encourages new growth as soon as the weather begins to warm. The lack of leaves after autumn allows you to easily identify branches and limbs requiring removal.

Be aware that some trees can bleed sap when pruned during late winter. For example, pruning maple trees in winter is ideal but can result in bleeding. Don't worry — the sap will stop flowing as soon as the tree begins to put on leaves.

It isn't dangerous and it won't harm your tree. Although I like to make my pruning plan in the fall, I always wait a few months to before I start to actually prune. Pruning trees in fall can introduce disease. In the event of a warm fall, it could even encourage new growth which will be damaged when temperatures drop. Pruning trees in summer isn't a popular option, but sometimes can be beneficial if performed with caution. Experienced gardeners use summer pruning to direct growth by slowing down the development of a tree or branch.

The best timing for this form of pruning is just after the seasonal growth has reached its peak. By removing the total leaf surface of the plant, you reduce the amount of nutrients sent to the roots and the overall growth of the tree. Now that we've established when the best time of the year is to prune trees, let's talk about flowering trees.

They don't exactly follow the rules. Flowering trees fall into two categories: early bloomers and late bloomers. Early blooming trees set buds on last year's growth.

For example, a tree blooming early in is blooming on growth from If you prune over the winter, your tree won't bloom. Instead, prune right after the tree finishes blooming. Early blooming trees include:. Trees that bloom in late spring to early summer set buds on this year's new growth.