By removing the total leaf surface of the plant, you reduce the amount of nutrients sent to the roots and the overall growth of the tree. The best timing for this form of pruning is just after the seasonal growth has reached its peak. Experienced gardeners use summer pruning to direct growth by slowing down the development of a tree or branch. Pruning trees in summer isn't a popular option, but sometimes can be beneficial if performed with caution. In the event of a warm fall, it could even encourage new growth which will be damaged when temperatures drop. Pruning trees in fall can introduce disease. It isn't dangerous and it won't harm your tree.Īlthough I like to make my pruning plan in the fall, I always wait a few months before I start to actually prune. Don't worry – the sap will stop flowing as soon as the tree begins to put on leaves. For example, pruning maple trees in winter is ideal but can result in bleeding. The lack of leaves after autumn allows you to easily identify branches and limbs requiring removal.īe aware that some trees can bleed sap when pruned during late winter. Pruning during dormancy encourages new growth as soon as the weather begins to warm. But most trees benefit from pruning in mid to late winter. There is never a bad time to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. When is the Best Time of Year to Prune Trees? Pruning a tree a little each year creates a strong and beautiful tree from the very beginning. Regular pruning throughout the life of a tree reduces the amount of work necessary and the stress on the tree. Pruning for shape isn't necessary until the first winter after planting. Diseased, dead and broken branches should be removed right away. Start Pruning Trees Early OnĪ proactive homeowner begins pruning as soon as a tree is planted. Most are easily accessible and require simple tools. Ornamental and fruit trees are the perfect place to start learning how to prune a tree. They have the appropriate equipment and training to remove large branches safely. I recommend leaving large, established shade trees to qualified arborists and tree care professionals. Pruning trees may seem like a large project-and it can be. Keep your cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water damage and disease. This will be the direction of the new growth. With that in mind, cut limbs ¼ inch above a bud that faces the outside of the plant. When thinning, reducing and shaping branches and limbs small enough to cut with hand tools, keep in mind that your cuts are going to encourage new growth. Too much foliage can result in trees being top heavy and falling over easier in storms while falling branches may damage a house or plants below. When pruning trees, take a moment to assess if tree branches are becoming too close to safety lights, electrical lines or are blocking traffic views.ĭepending on where you live, it is also important to prune trees to thin out branches and dead limbs before hurricane seasons. Trimming the trees in your yard creates a safe environment for your family and friends.ĭead branches, diseased trees and weak limbs are all a danger to people and property. Safety concerns are not often considered, but they're definitely a good reason to prune your trees. While well-pruned trees are healthier, they are also stronger. By pruning and trimming trees in specific ways, you can encourage fruiting and flowering, shape plants into specific forms and control plant size. Landscape maintenance and appearance pruning combine to create the ideal plant you envision. By helping a tree establish one main tree and a dominant leader, you create a strong tree that's ultimately able to withstand winter storms and high winds. Opening up the canopy to let light and air filter throughout the entire tree allows for increased foliage while decreasing the risk of disease.Īt the ground level, suckers and water sprouts weaken wood and steal nutrients from the main tree. Pruning for plant health focuses on removing dead, dying and diseased branches, branches that rub together, and any branch stubs so the entire tree continues to grow in a healthy way. But before you can learn how to trim a tree properly, you need to know why you should trim a tree. Although trees do grow quite naturally without pruning, this routine landscape maintenance allows your trees to reach their full potential and live a long life. Tree limbs are pruned for multiple reasons, all of which result in a better looking and better performing tree.
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