THE BENEFITS OF TRIMMING IN wINTER

One of the most time-honored questions in all of tree care is, “when is the best time of year for trimming a tree?” Dead branches can be cleared at any time of year, but what about pruning in winter?

In most cases, the dormant season is actually the best time to surgically remove or prune live branches, as it's the ideal time to avoid encounters with insects and diseases of trees.  Many insects are attracted to scents or smells that the trees emit from the open pruning cuts.  Insects harm trees by feeding and boring into plant tissue.

Several insects also spread diseases along the way. Fortunately, most wood boring insects that cause serious harm to trees and shrubs are dormant or immobile during this time of year.  Therefore, pruning in the dormant season will reduce or eliminate the insect attraction to open pruning sites.

And one last benefit, it is far easier to see a tree's overall branch framework without the leaves, making evaluation and access that much easier.

So, are there any pitfalls to dormant pruning when you’re thinking about trimming a tree?  There are a few.  Sheared plants may be damaged or scorched if pruned during cold weather, and pruning spring flowering shrubbery will take the flower buds along with the pruning cuts – diminishing your spring display.

When in doubt, make it easy on yourself and call T&M Tree Service today to assess your trimming and pruning needs; our experts can determine what can be pruned during the dormant season and what should be done in the spring.

Thanks for reading, we hope this information helps with any seasonal questions you might have, and we wish you a safe and happy winter season!