Many of us believe that the best time to prune trees and shrubs is during the warmer seasons when their foliage is at its prime. And many have assumed the misconception that tree maintenance cannot or should not be done during the cold months of winter. In reality, the optimum time for tree maintenance procedures of pruning and/or removal is during winter. Why is this so?
During winter, trees and scrubs cease from being during their stage of growth and undergo the stage of dormancy as deciduous trees and plants have undergone the process of shedding their leaves. It is after leaves have fallen you are then able to get an unobstructed view of your scrubs and trees, which enables clearer assessment of dead, property-hazardous and dangerous branches. Structural defects such as cracks and splits that are obscured by leaf foliage are visible in winter. This is the optimum time of the year for tree and scrub inspection. Corrections and alterations can be made such as: structural pruning, bracing and cabling during the optimum winter season.
Winter is Most Beneficial for Pruning Fruit Trees
The pruning of fruit trees in order to maximize fruit production should be done during winter when fruit trees are dormant. Winter fruit tree pruning facilitates spurring vigorous growth. Fruit trees utilize a small percentage of stored nutrients to maintain keeping them alive. There are no leaves, flowers or fruit, therefore, you can easily see the tree’s structure, and this high visibility provides optimum pruning conditions. Later winter is also optimum for facilitating wound-cutting healing.
Removal of lower-quality branches wastes energy that should be directed at healthier, better-quality branches that yield better-quality fruit.
Insects and Disease Spread During Warmer Weather – Prevention During Winter
Another factor of importance for avoiding pruning trees in warmer seasons that ‘bleed’ or produce a lot of sap, such as maples, aspen and birch, is that ‘sap-bleeding’ does not occur during winter. During the cold of winter pruning will not occur during this timeframe. Winter is the optimum time for the wounds from cutting and pruning since during cold temperatures wound-closure then facilitates trees being able to seal wounds prior to warmer weather which fosters the proliferation of destructive pathogens and insects which are very hazardous to tree health. Moreover, the proliferation of insects during warmer seasons permeate wound-cuts providing entry insects pathogen ingress. And, during winter diseases are much less able to be transmitted from pruning.
Reduced Risk of Tree and Property Damage During Winter
The risk of tree and property damage is reduced by tree service during winter. Inspections during winter can more readily spot tree and scrub problems. Pruning during the dormant-growth season provides the optimum condition for trees to recover from cutting-wounds.
Branches and limbs should not be growing over your house, walkways and vehicles. Trees that have the potential of being problematic should be pruned or removed prior to winter ice and snow storms. The removal of dead and damaged branches not only ensures property safety, but also facilitates tree rejuvenation by removing dead and diseased wood which makes the tree healthier and safer. Property values are also enhanced by attractive ‘curb-appeal’ and ‘backyard
charm’. Winter tree services contribute to the enhancement of property aesthetics.
Harsh winter winds and storms can damage vulnerable scrubs and trees. Tree wrapping provides protection from harsh winter weather as well as animals that damage tree and shrub bark.
Facilitating Less Dramatic Changes in Shape
Pruning during winter benefits shaping your trees to grow in the manner in which best suits the layout of your property. Your trees should grow in a shape which does not interfere or obstruct structures, including walkways. Tree dormancy in winter allows for a reduced impact on the visual appearance of pruning and cutting on your property.
You’ll Be Happy with Winter Cutting and Pruning Come Spring
Branches cut back during winter are able to quickly recover in spring with new growth.
Winter pruning and cutting also facilitates opening up the tree canopy to increase the circulation or air as well as allowing for more sunlight to penetrate into the canopy of the interior fostering optimum tree growth.