It is a common misconception that tree maintenance is not done in winter months. Actually, major pruning of fruit trees is advantageous to do this time of year in order to maximize fruit production.
There are several benefits to pruning when tree and shrub growth is dormant in winter.
Here are a few:
Easier to Evaluate Tree Structure When leaves have dropped in fall, it’s easier to see the structure of the tree and identify dead or dangerous branches to be pruned.
Trees Will Look Better in Spring If you prune and shape in the winter to rejuvenate overgrown trees, they will actually be able to recover more quickly in spring with new growth.
Helps Avoid Spreading Disease Bacteria, fungi, parasites and insects that cause and/or spread disease are either dead or dormant in winter—thus pruning during these months makes it less likely to spread any disease the tree might be carrying.
More Efficient Processes Can Be Used Since the ground generally freezes in the winter, we can bring in heavy equipment without damaging your landscape. This is especially helpful when removing large parts of trees.
Less Stressful on Trees Research tells us that pruning before buds break in spring leads to “optimum wound closure,” thus allowing them more time to heal before destructive insect and pathogens arise in the spring.
Prevents Winter Damage When we get significant amounts of snow and ice, this can cause significant stress on weak trees. By pruning in the winter, we can help rejuvenate a tree and give it a healthier life during the dormant months.
Our maintenance experts are just a call away!
If you have some trees and shrubs that need pruned—or you’re questioning whether pruning should be done, please give us a call and we’ll schedule a time to visit and talk with you about beneficial pruning practices specific to your landscape.
Call 614-873-7333 to schedule an appointment.
