Usually, it is advisable to prune trees in winter before the spring growth starts sprouting. Trees are most dormant in winter and less susceptible to diseases, insect attacks, and pest infestation. However, there are many types of trees, and each tree type has different requirements varying from each other. You cannot prune all trees in winter or a particular season. The routine has to align with the tree type. Pruning trees in spring may sound odd to the ears of amateur gardeners, but it is a viable option for a few tree types.
Moreover, winter can be tough for trees, and in the spring season, they are exposed to new growth. Pruning trees in spring helps deal with both situations. It controls spring growth and repels the winter damage trees have suffered during the season. However, spring pruning is a complex task and involves different techniques. These practices are hard to comprehend for novice gardeners.
In the blog, Tree Doctor USA experts have shared their knowledge to help gardeners learn pruning trees in spring. These tips will make gardeners understand important aspects of tree pruning and how it impacts the tree. Our experts have listed techniques and proactive care tips gardeners can use to maintain their yards in the season.
Why Prune Trees In Spring?
Spring is the best time to refresh overgrown trees and shrubs and control their growth through pruning. Spring tree pruning heals tree wounds and closes them before new buds start growing. The practice allows the tree to recover from the damage before the warm weather and dryness set in the environment.
The other reason to prune trees during spring is that it enables tree pruners to inspect the tree structure before new buds start sprouting. Pruners can clearly see the tree structure, control excess growth, cover wounds, and eliminate dead tree parts. They can easily spot damaged branches, stems, and twigs and cut them off to promote healthy growth.
Types Of Trees To Prune In The Spring Season
- Early Spring – Cherry, plum, trumpet vine, peach, apple
- During Spring – Virginia creeper, rose, clematis, wisteria
- When Buds Start Appearing – Rose of Sharon
- After Flowering – Forsythia, lilac, rhododendron, forsythia, climbing rose, and flowering dogwood
How To Prune Trees In The Spring?
1. Prune Before Buds Start Appearing
Prune flowering and deciduous trees before new leaves, buds, and blossoms start appearing on the tree. Prune the damaged branches and sick tree parts. Channelize tree growth through pruning as trees collect energy in the root system and release it during spring. The energy promotes speedy growth and better productivity.
2. Follow The Natural Branch Cutting Pattern
Follow a natural branch-cutting pattern to abolish winter damage and dead tree foliage. Trim the damaged areas carefully while preserving their original structure. Prune slowly, pick one branch at a time, and avoid over-pruning or vigorous pruning to achieve long-term results.
3. Eliminate Damaged Tree Parts
Remove dead, diseased, infested, damaged, and overgrown branches in early spring from late March to early April. Avoid removing more than 10 to 20% of branches as it will minimize the tree’s potential and growth. Improper or excess pruning will overtly stress your trees, leading them to more harm.
Original Source: Spring Is In The Air: Prepare Your Trees With Tree Pruning
