Before we talk about when you should trim your trees, let’s discuss when you shouldn’t- Do Not Prune in the Fall/Autumn.

Keep your pruning tools stowed away during those fall months! Decaying fungi on trees will actually spread their spores profusely in the fall. This means that the healing of wounds will be a slower process.

When you prune your trees you are encouraging new growth. Pruning in the fall doesn’t work because your trees are about to go into a dormant state makes the plant weaker.

Now let’s talk about the best time of year to trim tree limbs and cut back shrubs!

The best time to trim trees and prune shrubs is during the late winter. Trimming during the dormant season is ideal because:

  1. The wounds heal faster, keeping the plant strong.
  2. There is less risk of disease or pest infestation.
  3. There is less sap flowing. Bleeding sap doesn’t really hurt the tree, but it’s messy and can attract pests.
  4. It’s easier to trim branches when the leaves are gone.

DISCLAIMER: You can remove dead or damaged limbs any time. These limbs can become a safety hazard.

Pruning Guidelines

Conifers: Pruning in late winter while fully dormant is recommended.
Non blooming Trees and Shrubs: Prune in late winter while fully dormant.
Summer-blooming Trees and Shrubs: Prune in late winter.
Spring-blooming Trees and Shrubs: Wait until immediately after they bloom. They are the exception to the rule, however you still should prune them as early as possible.

You can do the following any time of year:

Trim back small tree branches (the size you can cut with handheld lopping shears).
Lightly shape hedges and conifers. Remove dead or diseased branches. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or ice storms, it’s important to remove weakened limbs. Trimming branches in the fall if a limb is presenting a hazard it’s better to prune at the wrong time than to have your tree injured by a storm!

Now that you know when to prune your tree learn the basics of tree pruning.
For the Professional Tree Trimming at a great price, call Tennett Tree Service

You Can’t Go Wrong with A Tree Care Professional at Tennett Tree