Rainy day? Put your shears away. Pruning when it's wet outside will encourage the growth of microbes and spread disease. Wait until the sun has dried everything out.
Rain events, in particular, can aid in the spread of infectious spores, so pruning should be avoided if there is rainfall forecasted.
If it's raining – don't prune! Wait until you have a few days of dry weather. Rain can spread disease.
Never Prune When It's Wet
Damp weather encourages the growth of microbes that will make the most of the damage your pruning does.
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.
Late summer or early fall pruning causes vigorous re-growth of tissue, which in some cases may not harden off by the time winter arrives, leading to possible cold damage to the new growth.
Improper pruning cut. A proper pruning cut minimizes the damage done to the tree and allows it to heal quickly. 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.
In heavy rain, there is often very poor visibility and the potential for loud noises such as thunder. These noises, as well as unexpected movements like lightning, may cause you to flinch or make simple mistakes when using your saw. So, it's often better if you wait until the rain has died off a little.
Summer is an excellent time for restorative pruning. You can correct problems that have resulted from over-pruning or poor pruning. You can also clean up damage from winter and spring storms. Proper pruning will begin to restore most plants' natural shape.
Did you know that if you prune too late in the season, you stimulate new growth, which will not have time to harden off before the first frost, which will be coming soon to our neck of the woods. This can weaken and damage the plant, so its best to leave the pruning until spring.
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.
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.
Pruning to remove damaged, dead or diseased parts can be done at any time of the year. Most trees and shrubs, especially those that flower on current season's new growth should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth.
Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Try not to get the cut surface dirty before putting it in the stand (which could prevent the tree from fully taking up water).
Root Systems
Maintaining a healthy root system is important. If roots are shallow, weak, or compromised in any way, the overload of rain followed by a strong wind can easily uproot a tree. Most roots are only 18-24 inches below the ground.
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.
Helps Control Disease
Some trees, like oaks, should only be pruned during the dormant season because they are especially susceptible to oak wilt disease, which is known to spread extremely fast in the spring and summer.
Municipalities and homeowners often remove the lower limbs for pedestrian and vehicular clearance or to let the sun shine in for grass to grow. Mature trees, especially evergreens, benefit when healthy lower branches are left intact. Removing large limbs can increase the risk of decay.
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. Â This ruins the plant's natural shape and greatly increases its susceptibility to diseases, insect pests, and storm damage.
As a general rule, prune spring-blooming trees immediately after they flower. Prune trees that bloom in the summer or fall in late winter or early spring before the end of their dormancy. Routine pruning of dead or dying branches can be done at any time.
Pruning less of the plant but more frequently is by far the best for the overall health of it. We recommend every other month, which comes out to be five times per year. This is the sweet spot for pruning and will help keep everything looking and performing its best.
Dried plums also contain sorbitol and chlorogenic acid, which can increase stool frequency. Eating a serving or two of prunes can help you maintain gastrointestinal health through promoting regular bowel movements.