Regular maintenance of trees is essential to preserve their health and longevity. But at what time of year should trees be pruned?
Here are expert tips to encourage lush vegetation and maintain the health of your trees for years to come!
Why prune trees?
Each tree undergoes the hazards of wind, old age, shocks and bacterial attacks. Pruning trees helps maintain their health by removing dead, diseased or damaged branches.
Reducing excess weight on other branches strengthens the structure of the tree and reduces the risk of falling branches. Pruning also stimulates their growth by allowing light and air to penetrate the crown better.
When should trees be pruned?
When should you prune a tree? It all depends on the goal! If your goal is to encourage thickening or tall growth, pruning should be done in winter. If you are looking to balance the silhouette of your trees, opt for spring, just before they grow.
Finally, if your desire is to strengthen their structure and eliminate dead wood, the ideal time to prune your trees remains summer.
The ideal time to prune trees? It all depends on the species!
In general, trees should be pruned when they are dormant, which is just before the growing season begins. But to know exactly when to prune a tree, you need to understand that each species has its own time window. Adapting your pruning practices can not only improve the health of the tree, but also its structure, its flowering and the entire ecosystem in which it evolves.
When to prune a deciduous tree?
Deciduous trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before the start of the sap rush that precedes buds opening. This period, located between February and March, minimizes the risk of stress for the tree and promotes rapid healing. Pruning your trees before spring also helps avoid diseases and parasites, which are more active during the hot season.
When to prune an evergreen tree?
As a general rule, pruning evergreen trees is recommended at the end of winter. This period helps avoid disrupting their growth, and ensures that the trees remain healthy all year round. If necessary, light pruning can be done in early summer and fall to balance the silhouette, without risking hindering its natural growth.
When to prune a tree that flowers in spring?
The best time to prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs is just after flowering. This period gives the tree the time it needs to develop new buds for the next season. This avoids cutting the buds that form for the following year’s flowering, and promotes healthy and vigorous growth.
How to Create a Tree Pruning Schedule?
To create an effective tree pruning schedule, start by taking an inventory of the tree species on your property. Identify their needs, taking note of their flowering and growth times. In a yearly calendar, mark the ideal times for pruning each one (be sure to include reminders!).
Do business with tree pruning experts
Need help preserving the health of your trees? To know when to prune your trees or for felling, deforestation or branch shredding services, trust a professional and experienced team. Contact them now for a free quote!
Sources (articles in French Only):
Les Jardins Animés: https://fr.jardins-animes.com/taille-des-arbres-des-arbustes-jardin-i-110.html
Saint-Germain Paysage: https://saint-germain-paysage.com/conseil-paysager/quand-tailler-arbre/
