Tree Care

When is the best time to prune?

Believe it or not, when you prune is just as important as how do it. At the beginning of spring when trees are just growing leaves, it's possible to cause damage through pruning. The best way to prevent weakening your trees is to prune in late summer.

Don't be tempted to prune for structure and form until the leaves fall off in the fall and you can get a clear view of all the branches. In the summer, however, get rid of dead wood, as this is the best time to notice branches without leaves.

Avoid pruning during the winter months (January through early March). This is known as "maple sugar time."

Pay attention to oak trees especially from late spring to midsummer, as this is when beetles infect the trees. Also, if your area is prone to oak wilt, avoid pruning during this time.

Finally, only prune to clear the way when branches have dropped to their lowest point.

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Where to cut

1. Don't cut close to the trunk, as these cuts tend to be too large and the wound may not seal right away.
2. At the same time, don't cut too far away from the trunk because this will leave behind a stub that makes it easier for insects to invade the tree. In fact, the wound won't even heal until you remove the stub.
3. A proper cut is made just outside the branch collar. This is the enlarged area where the branch meets the trunk. The wound will heal faster if you make the cut here because chemicals in the collar aid in the formation of callus tissue.

Cutting - a three step process

1. On the underside of the branch, make a shallow cut at about 4 or 5 inches from the trunk.
2. About 2-3 inches from the first incision you made, cut off the branch. The unsupported branch will fall under its own weight, but in the process the bark won't peel off the side of the trunk.
3. Now you can safely cut off the stub that remains - just make sure, again, that this cut is outside of the branch collar.

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