When is the best time to trim your trees?
We are often asked by arborists when to trim our trees. We know that the answer to this question isn’t always straightforward, so we have created a guide to trim your trees help you get started. Arborists must consider the specific tree being pruned, as well as other factors such as the potential impact of insects and trees’ susceptibility for disease.
The winter months are the best time to trim or prune trees and shrubs. Most trees go dormant between November and March. This makes winter the best time to prune or trim them.
Trees are less prone to disease or insects.
- The impact on the landscape is reduced and the crew can see clearly what they are doing even when all the leaves have gone.
- Trees can heal quicker, which means that your tree will be healthy and happy by spring.
- One more reason winter is better to prune trees: You save money!
It’s a fact that tree pruning and tree removals can be booked early, like today. This will help you save money. Do not wait and regret it.
Pruning is a good idea:
Birch Tree Care’s tree and plant maintenance programs include pruning. Pruning plants properly encourages growth, improves plant health, enhances curb appeal, and can increase flower and fruit production.
Prune to improve the overall health of your plant
- Take out dead or dying branches that have been damaged by insects, disease, storms or other causes.
- Take out branches that rub together
- Remove branch stubs
Keep plants in their intended uses:
- Encourage fruit and flower development
- Maintain a dense hedge
- Encourage the use of a particular plant form or garden form.
Enhance the appearance of your plants and increase curb appeal
- You can control the size and shape of your plants
- Maintain shrubs that are well-placed and dense
- Removing unwanted branches, waterpouts, suckers, and other fruiting structures can make a plant look less attractive.
Protect your family and property
- Remove dead branches
- Have hazardous trees taken down
Prune branches that hang over homes, parking areas, sidewalks or any other place where falling limbs can injure or cause property damage.
Remove branches that block street lights, traffic signals, overhead wires or street lights.
Pruning in the winter helps to ensure that new wounds are not exposed for too long before new growth starts. This allows for wounds to heal quicker. Pruning dormant plants makes it easier to make decisions, as there are less obstructions from the leaves.
Pruning in the winter is a great way to avoid certain diseases.
Oak Wilt disease can be avoided by pruning oaks between November-March. It is not a good idea to prune oaks between April-October.
Prune the apple trees from February to late-April
While spring or summer pruning increases the chances of spreading infection, fall or early winter pruning can lead to growth problems in the next season.
Honey Locusts are best pruned in dry weather, so prune them when they’re dormant in the winter.
Prune after blooming
Pruning trees and shrubs that flower early in the growing year should be done immediately following their last bloom.
Before you plant new growth, prune.
Shrubs that are primarily grown for their foliage, rather than showy flowers, should be pruned in spring before new growth begins.
Hedges and shrubs
Hedges should be pruned regularly after the initial pruning at planting. Hedges should be pruned once a year in spring and again mid-summer.
Evergreens
Conifers (evergreens) don’t require much pruning, with very few exceptions. You should prune different types of evergreens according to their growth habits.
