Trees make a true statement when placed at key areas around the home. The question many homeowners ask — especially if they’ve inherited a yard with many and various types of trees — is when is it time to perform tree maintenance, and what are specific ways to maintain particular types of trees? To get those answers, first ask yourself these basic questions:
- Do the trees on my property present broken limbs that could possibly be dead or diseased?
- Do my trees encroach on my house, on my neighbor’s property or house, on power lines, or on sidewalk areas?
- Are my trees misshapen from overgrowth?
- Do my trees reduce the aesthetic value of my property?
If the answers to these questions are mostly yes, it is most certainly time for the most common form of tree maintenance: tree pruning. Put simply, tree pruning is selectively removing branches from a tree to improve its structure and promote overall healthy new growth. Pruning for tree health focuses on removing dead or dying branches, removing branches that may rub together, or removing any branch stubs so the tree will continue to grow healthy for years to come. Dead or dying branches can be removed anytime and in any season throughout the year.
Thinning out a tree’s canopy (the branches and leaves at its top) will let light and air circulate in and around its branches, which then allows for increased foliage and a decreased chance of disease. As trees age, they may grow suckers (more branches at their trunk base or above). Most suckers should be removed because they can weaken wood and take nutrients from the main tree. Helping each tree establish one main trunk or dominant stem is key to the growth process, to ensure the tree is able to withstand winter storms and high winds.
When is the best time to prune most trees?
The answer is simple: Winter, or more precisely, mid to late winter. That means right now!
Trees that benefit the most from winter pruning are evergreens, shade trees like oaks and maples, and most shrubs.
Why is winter the best time for pruning?
In winter, trees are less susceptible to disease and insect infestation because they are dormant. In worst case scenarios, a tree may have to come down. Winter is the optimal time to get that service completed because if a service provider requires access to a grassy area to complete the job, turf damage will be minimal when temperatures are low or the ground is frozen.
