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Pruning Trees In The Winter From Spring-Green Lawn Care
Pruning Trees In The Winter From Spring-Green Lawn Care
Winter Pruning
Can I prune in the winter?
The simple answer is, ‘yes” but you need to keep a few things in mind, especially if you are in the northern parts of the country:
- How much cold weather can you stand?
- Do you have a source to haul away pruning debris?
- Do you have the proper tools?
The distinct advantage to pruning deciduous trees (plants that lose their leaves) in the winter months is that there aren’t many leaves to rake up. It is also easier to see branches that are crossing or lying on top of other branches, ones that are growing directly into the tree canopy, damaged or broken branches as well as ones that may be infected with a disease, such cankers. These branches should be removed to improve the growth, structure and form of the tree.
Winter is not the time to shape hedges or prune flowering shrubs. Many of these plants flower in the spring or summer and have already set their blossoms for next year. Removing these flower buds will reduce the flower levels. Confine your pruning to removal of broken or damaged branches.