Proper pruning is part of the total care for your trees and shrubs. We can spray and treat your shrubs during the growing season, but we can also prune them correctly during the dormant season.
If you have ornamental trees and shrubs that are crowding walkways and/or other plantings, getting too close to your house, getting in the way of mowing, or otherwise need to be significantly reduced in size, late fall and winter can be a good time to do so. There are several advantages to pruning at this time of year:
No leaves on the deciduous trees. This makes it easier to see branching and the structure of the tree. This helps to make the best cuts. It also makes removal of cut material easier.
No disease/insect activity. Once the temperature goes below 50 degrees, there’s very little activity from damaging insects and diseases. Pruning cuts, even when properly done, cause wounding and a possible avenue for those pathogens. This can be very beneficial for cherries, crabapples and other trees and shrubs that are susceptible to insect and disease infestation.
Pruning cuts made in the winter heal more quickly when the spring flush of growth begins. Proper pruning cuts will start callousing over much more quickly in the early spring than they will when done later.
Spring growth will be directed toward the remaining branches. There is no wasted energy directed toward branches that may get cut off if pruned during the growing season.
What shouldn’t be pruned or trimmed during the dormant season:
Maintenance hedge trimming. Unless you’re trying to drastically reduce the size of the hedge, trimming is best done after the spring flush of growth.
Maintenance pruning of rhododendrons, forsythia, and other spring flowering plants. Unless you want to significantly reduce them in size, prune these after they flower. The flower buds for the next year are set during the summer. Pruning them after they flower helps to direct the energy toward developing flower buds on the remaining branches.