When to Prune your Trees
Conifers
Conifers may be pruned any time of year, but pruning during the dormant season
may minimize sap and resin flow from cut branches.
Hardwood Trees and Shrubs Without Showy Flowers
Prune in the dormant season to easily visualize the structure of the tree,
to maximize wound closure in the growing season after pruning, to reduce the
chance of transmitting disease, and to discourage excessive sap flow from wounds.
Recent wounds and the chemical scents they emit can actually attract insects
that spread tree disease. In particular, wounded elm wood is known to attract
bark beetles that harbor spores of the Dutch elm disease fungus, and open wounds
on oaks are known to attract beetles that spread the oak wilt fungus. Take care
to prune these trees during the correct time of year to prevent spread of these
fatal diseases. Usually, the best time is during the late fall and winter.
Pruning Guide
- Trees and shrubs that flower in early spring (redbud, dogwood, etc.) should
be pruned immediately after flowering (flower buds arise the year before they
flush, and will form on the new growth).
- Pruning pine trees/conifers in the winter months will minimize the threat
of Pine Beetle invasion, because most insect and fungal pests are dormant.
- Trees and shrubs that flower in the summer or fall always should be pruned
during the dormant season (flower buds will form on new twigs during the next
growing season, and the flowers will flush normally).
Dead Branches
Can be removed any time of the year.
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