For most trees, winter is the best time to prune. The trees are dormant, and so pruning doesn’t stress them as much. Pests have either died off or gone into hibernation underground. Diseases are also not as prevalent. Pruning, after all, does injure your tree a bit, and pests and diseases are drawn to injuries. If you’re pruning a deciduous tree, there’s also the added benefit of being able to see the whole shape and structure of the tree. Here are some general winter pruning tips.
Prune on a Dry and Mild Day
Arborists know that the best day in winter to prune trees is later in the season when the weather is dry and mild. This protects trees from both cold temperatures and waterborne diseases.
Prune Dead and Diseased Limbs First
Branches that are dead, broken or sick can and should be removed at any time of the year, but pruning in winter gives the tree all of winter’s advantages. Arborists will concentrate on branches that have been damaged after an ice storm.
Remove Branches to Let Air Circulate
If there’s a crowd of branches near the tree’s crown, arborists will remove enough of them to let light and air circulate by the time the growing season returns. Another goal of pruning this way is to make sure that the tree is balanced. One way arborists guarantee this is to stop pruning now and then, and they will circle the tree to check.
Prune Branches That Cross
Arborists will take away branches that are crossing or growing toward the trunk. They may start to rub against each other, which can cause wounds. These wounds can attract diseases and insects.
Remove Branches That Are Growing Downward
Some trees have a habit where their branches grow down toward the ground. But arborists will remove the downward-growing branches of those that shouldn’t grow this way. They tend to be weaker than the tree’s other branches, and if they touch the ground, they may be attacked by diseases or pests. Downward-growing branches can also be risky for people, and they should be pruned when they’re about an inch in diameter.
Take Out Suckers and Water Sprouts
Suckers shoot up from the tree’s roots, while water sprouts grow up from the branches. These shoots don’t produce flowers or fruit, so they simply sap the tree’s energy. Arborists will prune them out.
Trimming and pruning are jobs that should only be left to the professionals. Even when you watch the best DIY videos, this is no substitute for the years of training and experience arborists receive. One wrong move can be dangerous, as branches that fall the wrong way can injure people and damage property. If your trees need professional trimming and pruning, don’t hesitate to call our arborists at Gray’s Tree Service of Birmingham, AL.
