Rain events, in particular, can aid in the spread of infectious spores, so pruning should be avoided if there is rainfall forecasted.
If you want to spur growth, prune your tree in late winter when the tree is still dormant. Fruit that is more susceptible to disease – like stone fruit and cherries, should be pruned in the late summer after fruiting. If it's raining – don't prune! Wait until you have a few days of dry weather.
Figure 1 shows what can happen when pruning cuts are made just prior to a rain event. When pruning is necessary such as train-ing young trees or removing diseased limbs, try to avoid the practice when wet conditions are predicted in the two week forecast. Whatever you do, don't mix pruning and rain.
Time to prune fruit trees--but wait until the rain stops! - Napa Master Gardener Column - ANR Blogs. Time to prune fruit trees--but wait until the rain stops!
Late winter or early spring is the very best time to prune an apple tree. Aim to prune trees when the coldest weather is past but before the trees begin growing in spring. Wounds will heal quickly in spring and the bare branches allow you to easily see the tree's structure. Don't prune in fall or early winter.
ALWAYS prune back to or just above a growing point (branch or bud) or to the soil line. NEVER leave a stem or branch stub. NEVER top a tree to “rejuvenate” growth.
For a tree to completely compartmentalize and seal off the exterior of a severed branch, it may take upwards of 15 to 20 years. However, within the tree, this containment process is fast-paced and extremely effective.
An improper cut like a flush cut (cutting too close to the trunk) or a stub cut (cutting too far from the trunk) can cause irreversible damage to a tree. A flush cut removes the branch collar and leaves a large wound in the side of the tree that won't heal properly.
Don't prune too late in northern regions.
In areas with cold winters, avoid pruning after the middle of August. If you prune too late, you may stimulate new growth that would not have time to grow thick, protective bark before the killing frosts of winter.
Choose the Right Time
Likewise, prune in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the newly cut ends of branches becoming scorched by the hot sun. Wait 48 hours after rain to prune, to allow plants to dry out and avoid fungal diseases. When pruning, make cuts just above leaf nodes, or buds.
Any gardening expert will tell you, (contrary to what you may believe) that pruning encourages new growth just when the plant is trying to go dormant and new growth doesn't have enough time to harden before the first frost and freezing temperatures hit. Pruning at this time of year will severely weaken the plants.
Too Much Rain Can Cause Root Rot
Root rot occurs when there is too much moisture in the soil and not enough drainage. This disease attacks the roots of your trees, causing the growth of fungi, poor growth, dieback, and discolored wood at the base of the stem.
Pruning is generally good for trees because it promotes their health. It can also improve the tree's size and form. However, consider waiting to prune until drought conditions improve. When trees are stressed, such as during a drought, they are more susceptible to disease and insects.
so, not only lightning but a just heavy rain can lead to the uprooting of trees which can damage your parked vehicles completely. So it is not advisable to park your vehicle under the tree during rainy seasons.
In most cases, it is best to simply let wounds seal on their own. Over millennia, trees have developed effective mechanisms for this.
Pruning sealers, also called pruning paint, are products that claim to “aid the healing of pruning cuts” or “minimize sap loss.” Most often, these products are petroleum-based, but some even contain asphalt. Alternatively, there are natural tree sealers with ingredients like collagen and aloe gel.
Cut too much and you'll risk nutritional deficiencies or branches that are too weak to tolerate the wind or fend off diseases or insect invasions. Over pruning and topping can permanently disfigure your trees, or even kill them. Further, a tree's foliage is important for protecting it against excessive sun exposure.
The 1/3 rule involves cutting about 1/3 of wood during any pruning activity. This moderate pruning practice is a balanced approach to thinning out shrubs to stimulate new growth. The plant loses a good amount of stems, usually on the top section, allowing more light and air to enter the inside of the plant.
Differences Between Pruning and Trimming
Webb said pruning typically involves removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out stems and branches to improve the overall health and appearance of a plant. On the other hand, trimming typically involves cutting back plant material for reasons other than health concerns.
The cut is the key to good pruning. As a rule, always cut back to a branch, twig or bud that is pointed in the direction you want the tree to grow. This method encourages controlled, healthy new growth. If you're unsure whether to remove a branch, don't cut.
When to Prune an Apple Tree. Pruning is best done in late winter while the tree is dormant, or in the early spring before new growth has begun. If possible, avoid pruning in the summer and fall, as this stimulates new, sensitive growth that may be vulnerable to insect attack and winter damage.