You probably are n’t thinking much about your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree now that wintertime is over and the leave are gone . Believe it or not , now is the clip to call back about tree diagram trimming . Winter is the best time to prune . Learn why :
As a householder with Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on my place , I used to avoid pruning them in winter . I thought the stale weather condition would punctuate the trees and pruning would harm them . But after talking to professional arborists , I learn that winter is actually an ideal fourth dimension for pruning most trees !
In this article , I ’ll share why dormant seasonal pruning in wintertime provides several welfare for Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree health and appearance I ’ll also overlay some tips on right winter pruning methods .
Why Prune Trees in Winter?
Here are the top reason why pruning in winter is recommended
1. Trees are dormant
During wintertime quiescence , trees undergo minimal growth . Their DOE is focalise internally on endurance . Pruning at this clock time avoids diverting energy into healing cut when the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is trying to uprise in fountain and summer .
2. Better visibility
When Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree drop their leaves in fall , their branching structure and physique become distinctly seeable . This allow for more preciseness in pruning . you’re able to well spot and remove utter , damaged or crossing branches .
3. Reduced disease spread
Pruning wounds made in winter are less likely to get infected by fungal diseases and other pathogens . Most Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree disease are also dormant in winter .
4. Less pest pressure
Borers , beetle and other insects that infest pruning wounds are inactive during winter . Pruning when they are n’t active prevents infestations .
5. Improved wound closure
Research shows that pruning just before spring growth leads to quicker wind occlusion . This helps fix decay in the pruned area .
6. Better aesthetics
Pruning in winter solidification up trees for optimal spring growth and coming into court . You obviate ugly regrowth from pruning just after bud open .
7. Increased safety
Removing all in or wild branches in wintertime eliminate them before laborious blow or ice accumulation ca-ca them more likely to break and fall .
How to Prune Trees in Winter
Now that you know why wintertime is ideal for pruning , permit ’s cover right proficiency :
Inspect trees when leafless – Look forbranches that are all in , discredited , diseased or crosswalk / rubbing others . These should be removed .
practice proper pruning technique – Make uncontaminating cutting just outside the branch collar without will butt . Use sharp bypass hired hand pruners for smaller branches .
Disinfect tools between tree – fair tools with isopropyl alcohol to void spreading disease between trees .
Prune to shape – Refine complex body part and soma by transfer junior-grade arm and watersprouts . Do n’t murder more than 25 % of sustenance canopy .
pass on big combat injury until late winter – Make giving cuts just before spring so they have maximal time to cure before growing time of year .
Paint wound selectively – Research shows wound dressings cater minimal welfare on most pruning cut . They are helpful on oaks to limit oak wilt disease .
withdraw safety jeopardy – Take out light , hanging branches that could precipitate and cause injury or property equipment casualty .
wad pruned skirmish neatly – Cut it into accomplishable pieces and throng it out from tree diagram to stave off damage to lawn .
Hire an arborist for prominent jobs – If magnanimous branches or whole tree diagram need removal , lease a professional to ensure safety and right technique .
What Trees Should Not Be Pruned in Winter?
While most trees benefit from wintertime pruning , there are some exceptions :
Maples and birch – These tend to leech sap heavily from winter pruning wounds . look to clip them during summertime .
Fruit tree diagram – To maximize yield production , prune these in early spring before flower buds open .
Oaks – Only prune oaks during sodding winter sleeping to specify oak wilt disease transmission .
Evergreens – Prune evergreen plant like pines , spruces and junipers in tardy bound after Modern emergence emerge to hide cuts .
tree with peeling bark – Trees like sycamore , river birch , and crape Vinca minor are vulnerable to frost cracks on expose intimate bark . Limit pruning .
Use discreetness and avoid excessively pruning the above tree diagram in winter . But some selective pruning for wellness and prophylactic is still good .
Pruning Young vs. Mature Trees
It ’s authoritative to consider tree geezerhood and size when pruning :
untried tree – For proper structure , prune cardinal leader trees while inactive in first 2 - 3 years after planting .
Mature tree – Focus on removing utter , pathologic and upset branches . Do n’t remove more than 25 % of live canopy .
Overgrown tree – Rejuvenation prune while sleeping restores contour and energy in neglected matured Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
Your arborist can advise on the best pruning design for your specific trees .
Providing Aftercare for Newly Pruned Trees
supervise for sign of disease and treat promptly . Disinfect tools after consumption .
Water generously in leap so tree can establish unexampled growth .
stakes branches if major limb were removed and tree is fluid .
Mulch around base of tree to conserve moisture and insulate roots .
head off excessive fertilisation which can spur weak growth vulnerable to breakage .
Signs Your Tree Needs Pruning
Watch for these return to blemish Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in need of pruning :
Dead , dying , pathologic or crossed / rubbing branches
low or attend branch
Dense home canopy lack scant incursion
unreasonable watersprouts and shoots along branches
grounds of decline or cavity
hinder view , jam pathways / sign , or tree - social system conflicts
Benefits of Professional Tree Pruning
While DIY pruning is practicable for minuscule tree , consider engage an arborist for :
Large , matured trees
Safety hazard remotion
accession challenges requiring limited equipment
Disease / pest diagnostics and treatment
Complex pruning needs like rejuvenation pruning
Knowledge of right species - specific pruning techniques
Certified arborist have extensive preparation and specialized tools to safely prune trees in a health - focused way .
Pruning Equipment to Have on Hand
To dress minor trees and branches yourself , have these tools ready :
ring road hand pruners ( secateurs ) for cuts under 1⁄2 in diam
lopper for cuts up to 11⁄2 in diam
Pruning find for larger offset
magnetic pole pruner or pole saw for eminent branches
Isopropyl alcoholic beverage and fabric for disinfecting tools
Tarps for collecting brush
body of work glove and eye protection
piercing , well - maintained tools create cleaner cuts that mend faster . Never use hedge shear on branches over 1⁄2 column inch diameter .
Safety Tips for Pruning Trees
Use a ravel according to producer instructions if work off the ground .
Wear protective glasses , gloves , take heed protective covering near power equipment .
Do n’t prune near power lines . get hold of your utility party if branch are within 10 foot .
Look up and around before pruning to avoid any overhead hazards .
Prune subdivision in sections versus all at once to forbid lacrimation of bark .
Move slowly and do n’t overreach to invalidate descend . Maintain a solid stance .
Alternate Seasons to Prune Trees
While I advocate dormant wintertime pruning for most trees , other seasons have benefits too :
outflow – Deadwood remotion , light efflorescence tree pruning after bloom
Summer – Dead , damaged or diseased limb remotion for safety
other Fall – Shaping and thinning excess growth
Work with your arborist to find the good seasonal pruning schedule for your tree species and needs .
The Takeaway on Pruning Trees in Winter
Winter abeyant - season pruning is beneficial for most temperate Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . By pruning in wintertime , you’re able to set your trees up for optimal spring growth , safely absent hazards , specify disease spread , and improve tree anatomical structure , form and appearance .
Just expend care to avoid over - pruning or removing too much lively canopy at once . And prune the right-hand tree species – some like maples and yield trees are intimately pruned at other time of year . Proper techniques and aftercare will keep your tree diagram healthy after pruning .
I hope these wintertime tree pruning tips empower you to safely care for your trees during the sleeping season . Pruning is one of the most useful attainment for conserve beautiful , thriving trees .
Search Search Open the sidebar menu Close the sidebar menu
Do n’t give your tree the cold shoulder ; or else , show them some love with winter pruning
Get BrightView in your inbox !
wintertime can be the ideal time for prune most trees .
Winter Pruning Preserves the Look of Your Property
Winter pruning helps your tree grow in the way that put to work best for your property , whether that ’s so they do n’t get in the agency of edifice or walk or so they develop quicker or slow . Pruning your Tree in the winter is also good for nearby plants , since many of them are inactive and less likely to be disturbed . to boot , there ’s less risk of equipment causing soil compaction thanks to firmer undercoat . TV .
