Don’t wait for spring to start pruning

While it may be frustrating feeling like we have to wait for spring before anything can be done in the yard, there is actually quite a bit that can be accomplished in the winter and early spring before your plants leaf out. A very good place to start is spring pruning for trees and shrubs.

What to Prune and When

Not all trees can be pruned when dormant, but for most, pruning anytime will be fine. Ash and birch trees are a few common varieties that should be pruned during the summer, not in spring, but most others are good whenever, and fruit trees actually should be pruned in the spring before they have bloomed.

As for shrubs, they can be cut almost any time of year as well, but cutting back old growth in the fall can be especially good for them. Even cutting some shrubs flush to the ground can be very beneficial if they have a lot of old growth that is hindering growth or giving them a poor shape or look.

Be aware, though, that when trees are coming out of dormancy the sap begins to flow, which may cause the tree to leak sap more than usual. It can lead to a sticky mess and on some trees the sap will keep flowing for a long time if you prune in the spring.

What to Look For

When pruning fruit trees, be sure to notice the blossoms.

The blossoms that produce fruit come from spurs on the branches that form on the previous year’s growth all over the tree. You want to make sure that you aren’t pruning too many of those fruit-producing branches off or you won’t have fruit.

In non-fruit trees you should mainly be pruning for hazards first (deadwood or weak structures) and then also for the health of the tree and aesthetic value.

Who should do the pruning?

If you know what you are doing, or if you are just pruning a few small branches, it can be easy to do yourself. If you have a larger tree, or a tree in a hazardous location, or just a tree you have a lot invested in, it may be better to hire a professional.

Professional pruners should be fully insured and able to provide you with a certificate of insurance. Also, be sure that everyone that will work on your property is covered by a workman’s compensation policy (some owner-operators may not be required by law to carry this, so you may want to be careful with those to make sure you aren’t liable for any injuries on the job). Also, look for ISA Certified Arborists to direct the pruning. They will ensure that proper standards are followed for safety and tree health. This protects you, the workers completing the work and the trees themselves.