Generally, the best time to prune or trim trees and shrubs is during the winter months. 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.
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.
February and March are statistically the cheaper months for tree removal—as they are otherwise known as “dormant season” for trees. During the winter the leaves have fallen from the trees making it easier for a tree service to cut down the tree safely and quickly.
Fall pruning also helps eliminate unwanted insect and disease problems. Major fall pruning should be done after the tree is completely dormant, so you do not stimulate any new growth that could be prone to winter injury. Some trees will bleed sap if they are pruned in the spring.
Pruning in summer may encourage vigor. In summertime, weak tree growth should be pinched or pruned back about 3 inches from the end of each soft, leafy shoot. This can be repeated in late summer if rapid side-shoot growth occurs.
Why shouldn't you heavily prune trees in summer? If you prune to excess in summer, next year, your trees may not be as full. Summer pruning takes away from the tree's total number of leaves, and fewer leaves mean less food flowing throughout the tree for next year's growth.
Most plants are pruned in winter, when dormant, but there are exceptions. Cherry and plum trees, for example, are susceptible to silver leaf disease, and should therefore be pruned in summer when the risk of infection is reduced. Likewise, most spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering.
Generally, the best time to prune or trim trees and shrubs is during the winter months. 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.
Pruning lower branches from trees is not harmful and benefits the tree's overall health when done properly. However, improper pruning techniques can damage a tree and lead to decay, stress, diseases, and reduced growth. It's important to use the correct methods or hire a professional.
During the spring, diseases and harmful insects are no longer dormant, and when you trim your trees in the spring, they can spread to other trees. In addition, trees that are trimmed in the spring may not have enough time to heal, making them more susceptible to unwanted pests and diseases.
The cost of pruning your trees is far less than the cost of removal, it can even add value to your property by making your trees more aesthetically pleasing. You can save on energy costs and money when you choose to prune or trim your trees, instead of tree removal.
Ask if the wood is “ready to burn” and has been properly seasoned. Fresh wood requires at least six months of seasoning time before it is dry enough for optimal burning.
Tree pruning involves the removal of live branches, as well as dead, diseased, and damaged branches for the health of the tree, while tree trimming only involves the removal of branches that interfere in some way.
When removed correctly, branches do not grow back as human tissue might regenerate. Instead, the tree responds to the wound by forming a callous-like growth over the cut area.
The branch bark ridge is the dark, rough bark ridge that separates the branch from the main branch or trunk. Pruning just beyond the branch collar and branch bark ridge retains the tree's natural defense mechanisms and promotes compartmentalization and callus formation. Do not make flush cuts when pruning trees.
Prune all branches above four feet growing toward the center of the tree. Always cut back to a larger branch of the trunk. Don't cut to see over branches, but to see through them. Cut off branches that cross each other, rub against the trunk or are dead.
Each year the new growth on a pine will establish buds for next year's growth. Pruning while the plant is in its growth phase ensures that there will be sufficient time for the shoot to produce a new set of buds for next year's growth before the plant goes dormant.
Spring flowering trees should be pruned after flowers have dropped. To avoid the introduction of disease pathogens to oaks and elms, avoid pruning between April 15 and October 15. Prompt pruning of storm-damaged limbs and dead branches should be done to encourage wound closure and avoid potential hazards.
Give Your Tree a Summer-Ready Shape With Summer Tree Pruning
Summer trims can cut down on the amount of pruning you'd have to do later in the year. Pinching off tender young branches is a smart idea if you want to encourage growth of thicker, sturdier limbs and discourage weak, “leggy” growth.
The best time to prune your tree will depend on when it will start to bloom. If your tree starts to flower after midsummer, then spring is the best time to trim. Trees that typically bloom in the winter, spring, or early fall should be pruned soon after the flowers have faded.
Dead wood can be removed anytime from any plant, but shrubs that bloom before the end of June should only get touch up pruning in May. More can be cut after the flowers finish if needed.
When to Prune Trees. The winter months are the ideal time, approximately November through March, which are the dormant months for trees and most plants. With a few exceptions, these colder months are generally the best time to trim a tree.
The 1/3 rule for pruning shrubs refers to the practice of cutting about 1/3 of wood or a branch. This approach is applied to fully established shrubs and small trees. This is done at this stage since the established shrubs and plants are past their transplant shock.