Getting it Right: When You Should Prune Your Trees

As a general rule, most trees are best pruned while they are still dormant during the winter season or before the trees start growing, but there are always exceptions to the rules. Some trees are best pruned in spring. However, spring pruning is not recommended for most trees because it can put them in harm’s way as spring pruning increases their risk of insect infestation or disease. It also limits the bloom potential of some trees for the entire year.

But, that doesn’t mean you cannot prune your trees in spring. Spring pruning is possible. However, companies who offer tree services will tell that you should not remove more than 10% of the tree’s branches. Spring pruning should be done to remove dead or decaying branches to help keep your tree safe at home.

What are the Trees that are Better Pruned in Spring?

Pruning is mostly done during winter, but some trees or shrubs may actually benefit from spring pruning. Here is a basic guide when it comes to spring pruning.

• The best time to prune is early spring. Prune moderately and keep the main branches well-spaced. V-shaped crotches should be avoided.
• Prune the shoots moderately during early spring.
• Cut weak growth, but you need to make sure that you save as much old wood as possible.
• Prune after flowering is over and do make sure only to remove the scaly, diseased growths.
• Keep tree headed low by removing half of the growth last year.
• Moderately trim rank growth by cutting diseased or dead branches.
• Remove dead wood, but only after flowering is over.

What are the Trees that Should Never be Pruned in Spring?

While there are many trees that you can prune during the spring season, that doesn’t change the fact that spring pruning can leave trees more susceptible to diseases and insect infestation. Here are some trees that you should never prune in spring, early fall, or summer.

• Oak trees. Pruning oak trees in spring increase its risk of oak wilt
• Elm trees. Avoid pruning elm trees in spring to reduce the possibility of Dutch elm disease.
• Sycamore trees. Spring pruning increases its chance of developing anthracnose.
• Honeylocust trees. Avoid pruning in spring to reduce the risk of stem cankers.

If that sounded a little complicated to you, don’t worry. You can always hire companies that offer tree services in Phoenix like Victor’s Landscaping who know precisely when and how much pruning your trees need.