What Time of Year Should You Prune Your Trees?
What Time of Year Should You Prune Your Trees?
Now that the explosive foliage growth of summer has passed, you may wonder what time of year is best to prune your trees. Since different plant species respond differently to pruning, knowing when to prune can differ on an individual basis; however, you can follow general guidelines to get started.
To encourage new growth in the spring
The majority of flowering plants benefit the most from pruning during the winter, especially if these plants go dormant. For such plants, wait until late winter—especially after the coldest months have passed—before pruning branches. If you prune your trees during the winter, you may notice “bleeding” once the plant begins to produce sap; this process is normal. Once the tree begins growing leaves, the sap bleeding will cease.
Alternatively, some plants need pruning immediately after flowering, including plants that produce new bulbs shortly after dropping old bulbs. Keep this fact in mind when considering which tree to prune.
To slow continued growth
Pruning your tree during the summer can help “dwarf” the growth of a plant by reducing the surface area it can use to produce food for the roots. This process can help reduce unwanted overgrowth. Alternatively, summer pruning can help with beautification purposes, like trimming away defective or too-heavy branches.
To avoid development of diseases
When you prune your trees, never do so in the fall. This time of year often promotes the spread of fungi from various processes of decay, which can then infect pruned trees. Additionally, wound healing of plants during the fall tends to slow down, resulting in potential damages to your trees.
Before pruning your plants, research to learn the best way—and time—to prune that particular plant. Knowing what time of year to prune your trees can promote the healthiest growth in foliage.
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