The Best Time of Year to Prune Trees

Pruning is an important part of maintaining the health, size, and appearance of your trees. Every tree requires some sort of trimming or pruning, but each variety of tree has different needs that dictate the best time of year to prune it. So, what’s the best time of year to prune trees in your yard? Read on to find out.

Conifer Trees

Conifers (evergreen trees with needles) generally need less pruning than deciduous and fruit trees. They are usually pruned to maintain their conical shape or manage their size. Corrective pruning can be performed at any time of year except for autumn. Decorative pruning is best done from late winter to early spring to avoid a messy, oozing sap release. Summer pruning is safe for random-branched conifers but dangerous for whorl-branched varieties as it can damage the tree’s bark.

Deciduous Trees

Disease and pests are a less prevalent threat to deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves for part of the year) in late autumn to early spring, so this is generally the best time to prune. Trees tend not to have foliage during this period of dormancy, so you have a better view of the tree you’re pruning during this time, as well. Avoid pruning in late spring and any time of summer, as wounds caused by pruning take longer to close. This is also the time when trees are most vulnerable to disease and pests.

Fruit Trees

Prune fruit trees (trees that bear edible fruit) at least once a year during its winter dormancy: late winter to early spring. Late summer pruning can be done, but it is only ideal when removing new or upright shoots.

Young Trees

Start pruning soon after planting a tree. This is the best time to start guiding its growth and managing the structure it forms as it matures.

Call Cardinal

If you’re a first-time pruner, give us a call at 614-808-4446. Our qualified professionals will help you know when and how to prune. Contact Cardinal Lawns today for a free quote.