Spring is coming soon. In fact, you may have seen some buds on trees already. You may be wondering if you have waited too late to get your trees trimmed and pruned. Though dormancy is generally the best time to trim and prune trees and shrubs to avoid wounding a growing tree, exceptions do exist. And a certified arborist can tell you when is the best time for your particular trees, as well as whether trimming outside of that window will harm them. Most trees can handle light trimming at any time of year, but major tree and shrub trimming and pruning should be done with care.
When Should Your Trees Be Trimmed?
Some trees vary from the norm in when their optimal pruning times occur in the year. When you prune can also change based on why you are pruning. For example, if you want a tree pruned so that you can encourage flowering of the tree, you will want to wait until the flowers disappear. If you have trees that produce flowers in the summer, you will want to do the pruning in winter, or possibly early spring. Stein offers a guide that may help when you are trying to determine a schedule for pruning.
Trees and Shrubs That Should Be Pruned During Dormancy
Some Pennsylvania and Delaware trees or shrubs that should be pruned during winter dormancy for best results are:
Walnut Trees bleed sap excessively during non-dormant periods.- Oak Trees can get a disease called oak wilt, which may be carried by insects into open tree wounds.
- Maple Trees tend to bleed sap when their dormant period is over.
- Fruit Trees can get a disease called fireblight, which is bacterial. Pruning in winter will make the problem less likely.
- Hemlock should be pruned in late winter, but if necessary, can be pruned in spring or early summer as well.
Trees and Shrubs That Should Be Pruned After Flowering
As mentioned, some trees and shrubs should be pruned as soon as the flowering period is over, but no sooner. If they are pruned too late, they may fail to flower in the following year. Some examples are:
- Forsythia
- Flowering Dogwood
- Rhododendron
- Lilac
- Redbud
Holly, the Delaware state tree, is one shrub that can be pruned in winter or spring, but if having a lot of berries is important to you, you will want to wait until the berries are already forming before pruning.
Some trees and shrubs that are best pruned in spring include:
- Smooth hydrangea
- Roses (non-climbing)
- Wisteria
- Clematis
Stein Tree Service Offers Residential and Commercial Tree and Shrub Trimming and Pruning
Home and business owners in Pennsylvania and Delaware often call Stein for their annual tree and shrub trimming and pruning, as well as other tree care services. Much of our business comes from word of mouth, and we strive to provide exemplary care for trees that residents can count on. To learn more, or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.