It will soon be time to prune your trees! Trees can be pruned year round but late winter and early spring are usually considered the best times. Pruning is ideally done after the worst of winter has passed but before the trees have begun to expend energy on new growth and leaves. Pruning before the tree has begun to ‘leaf out’ makes it easier to spot branches that are growing in the wrong direction, dead and damaged limbs, and potential problem areas that could arise as the season progresses.
Be sure to use clean, sharp tools and ensure that the blades are wiped clean between cuts. Also, make sure not to make cuts too close the trunk or branch you are keeping. Contrary to popular belief, flush cuts tend to take longer to heal, weaken the tree and can leave it more susceptible to insects and diseases. The best place to cut is as close to the branch you are keeping but above the branch bark ridge (the swollen, wrinkly region where one branch grows out from another). Pruning more than 1/3 of the branch growth per year can be detrimental to any tree. Excessive pruning can stress the tree, making it more vulnerable to infection or infestation.
Each tree species has different pruning needs but some basic pruning can easily be done by the average homeowner. Begin by first removing all dead, diseased and damaged limbs. Also remove suckers (shoots that come up from the base of the tree) and water sprouts (tender, tall, and succulent growths that usually grow straight up from existing branches) as well as any branches that may have grown or hang down into an unwanted space (ie, home, fence, line of sight, etc…).
Feel free to call us at 888-905-2967 with any of your pruning questions.
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