Pruning Trees in Spring: What You Need to Know
A recent study shows that homes with trees are of higher value, adding more than $35.5 billion nationwide. Neighborhood trees also add more than $73 billion in environmental benefits.
If your property has trees, you may be wondering if you can start pruning trees in spring. This is a common question since homeowners may want to get an early start.
Having a property with trees is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy more nature. But trees also require a certain amount of yearly maintenance.
Keep reading to find out more about pruning trees in spring.
Can You Prune Trees in Spring?
If you are new to working with trees, you may not know much about tree pruning. Most experts agree that trees should be pruned and trimmed during their dormant season.
For most tree species, this includes the months of November and March. This is when trees will be less vulnerable to pests and diseases since the weather is colder.
This is important to consider because when you prune a tree, you are injuring it. It is similar to if you get a cut on your hand and that area is vulnerable to infection.
The same rule applies to trees when you cut or trim any area. The colder the weather when you do this, the less chance of that area becoming infected.
Pruning during seasons when pests and diseases are active could damage the tree. That is why there are some simple rules you have to follow when it comes to tree pruning tips.
This does not mean that you cannot prune trees in spring. It just means that you need to be careful about the time in spring and the type of tree.
What Trees Should You Prune in Spring?
Now that you know that you can start pruning trees in spring, what species are ideal? Different species are going to bloom in different seasons, dictating when they need pruning.
You can usually prune maple, birch, and walnut trees in late spring or early summer. If you were to trim these trees too early, they could use sap and become infected.
Some other trees that you can prune later in the spring season after they have finished blooming are:
- Apricot
- Magnolia
- Lilac
- Chokecherry
- Dogwood
- Juneberry
- Crabapple
- Flowering cherry
These are a few examples of trees that are safe to trim in the spring. Just make sure you wait until they have finished blooming to reduce sap oozing.
If you are unsure about the kind of trees on your property, you may want to hire an expert. The experts at Green Pine Tree Services Will be able to tell you what kind of trees you are working with.
Trees You Shouldn’t Prune in Spring
There are also trees that you should not prune in spring. These are typically trees that are far too vulnerable in spring to insects and diseases.
Pruning trees that shouldn’t be pruned in spring can result in the entire tree dying. This is a big problem, and you may not be able to save it, resulting in it having to be removed.
Some examples of trees you shouldn’t prune in spring are elm trees, sycamore trees, and pear trees. You should also avoid pruning honey locust trees in spring, as this can cause stem cankers.
How to Prune Trees in Spring
If you want to know how to prune a tree, there are a few basic tips. This is not a complicated task, but you do need to make sure you are doing it correctly.
The health of your tree is at stake if you don’t prune it in a safe way.
Decide on a Plan
The first thing you need to do before removing tree branches is create a plan. Why are you pruning the tree? Are you doing it for practical or appearance reasons?
If the tree is becoming too large, you may want to trim specific areas to make it smaller. If you want to make it look nice, you will need to trim it all around for an even appearance.
Your goals are going to dictate how you go about trimming the tree. Keep in mind that you don’t want to go overboard and trim back too much.
Cut Close
When you are doing a branch removal, cut close to the tree. Depending on what you are trimming, this may be the trunk, branch, or bud.
It is much more efficient to cut as close as possible so that it does not grow back as quickly. You also don’t want to leave stumps or stubs that can cause issues later on.
As you are making the cuts, these should be narrow and V-shaped. Make sure you are using very sharp pruning tools to create as little damage as possible.
As you are pruning it, keep an eye out for any dead or dying branches. These should be removed so they do not weigh down the rest of the tree.
Hire a Professional
If you aren’t sure how to prune a tree, hiring a professional is ideal. Professionals know how to trim trees and how much they should trim back.
They also have all of the necessary tools and experience with different tree species. Hiring professionals will also guarantee that this is done every year at the right time.
A Guide to Pruning Trees in Spring
If you are wondering if you can start pruning trees in spring, the answer is yes. There are many trees that cannot be pruned in spring without causing any damage.
Do you want to hire someone to prune your trees for you? Contact us today at Green Pine Tree Services to book an appointment.
