When And How Should I Prune My Trees?

Pruning Trees Is Very Important

because it eliminates any potential risks a tree might pose while maintaining the health of the trees. It’s crucial to prune a tree that has branches that could fall onto a house. It is also important to prune a tree that’s growing into a utility line.

Reasons To Prune

There are several reasons to prune trees and many pruning opportunities. If a branch of a tree is having an insect problem, it’s time to prune that branch to help the tree’s health. Furthermore, if an area of a tree is diseased, it’s best to prune that area to safely and effectively take off the disease.

When To Prune: Weather Considerations

Trees should only be pruned when the weather is good. Don’t prune a tree if it is going to rain sometime in the next couple of days. Rain and the moisture it brings can cause the pruned wounds of a tree to become diseased more easily. Prune in dry weather and avoid pruning when it’s very hot.

When To Prune: What Time Of The Year

The optimal time to prune trees depends largely on the type of tree. Trees that flower in the spring, like crabapple trees, have a specific time during which it is safe to prune them. This is usually right after they have flowered. They might not even bloom next year if you prune them too late after they’ve flowered. The pruning schedule for summer flowering trees is considerably more relaxed since they can generally be pruned at almost any time. When you prune them, however, try to make sure the insect activity is not extremely high, or they could damage the tree. A general rule for many trees is that pruning during winter can be best. Steer clear of pruning a tree like maple during winter since they tend to bleed out a lot of sap if you prune them at that time.

How To Prune

You’ll need the proper tools, first. A good pair of pruning shears will work for smaller branches, while a pruning saw may be needed for larger ones. When pruning a branch, it is important to just remove branch tissue. Most branches have a branch collar. This is the area where the branch attaches to the tree’s stem. It is important not to cut the collar. The branch has something called a branch bark ridge at the upper area of the branch that shouldn’t be cut either. To cut a branch properly, start away from the branch bark ridge and angle the cut away from the branch collar. Make sure to cut as close to the branch collar as possible so there isn’t a stub left.

Peter Wendt is a self employed writer and researcher living in Austin TX. If you like to find out more visit this site.