Many people enjoy trees in their landscape. Offering so many benefits, trees are truly a luxury as they provide shade to keep us cooler in the summers, as well as a place to climb, swing, and even picnic under. Having trees improves the climate and so much more. Where they even increase the curb appeal and property value, it is important to keep them aesthetically pleasing, healthy and strong. There is quite a bit of easy maintenance tasks involved in keeping your trees healthy. As they grow, their dependence decreases, but to ensure their lifespan, it is important you still provide them with the care, treatments, and basics appropriately; this includes pruning services. When it comes to pruning and trimming the trees, quite a few people do not know when the best time of year is to prune their trees. some debate spring is optimal where others argue fall. Well today, we at Milam’s Tree Service would like to discuss seasonal pruning.

Tree Trimming Tips; Best Time of Year to Prune Trees

As far as when it is optimal to prune, there are a few factors to consider, one really depends on why you are pruning. Any deadwood removal and/or light pruning can be done at anytime of the year. Below are some guidelines; however different species may have specific requirements as to when they are pruned and trimmed.
Summer Tree Pruning: You should prune soon after the seasonal growth to slow the growth of selected branches or redirect a branch. By reducing the amount of leaves, you can cause a slowing affect; because you are reducing the amount of food made and sent to the roots. Done for corrective purposes, summer pruning can be done to remove defective limbs as well as any limbs that are too heavy from the weight of the excessive leaves.
Flowering Tree Pruning: To enhance flowering; pruning should be done according to the blooms. If your flower trees bloom in the spring, they should be pruned after all of the flowers have fallen. Any flowering trees that bloom in mid to late summer should be pruned either in early winter or early spring.
Winter Tree Pruning: The most common time to prune is while trees are dormant. By doing so, the results are a burst of new growth in the spring at leaf emergent. Ideally, it is recommended to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed to prune. Keep in mind; some species such as the Walnut and Birch tree are prone to leak sap from their pruning wounds but it is not harmful to the tree and will end when the tree leafs out.
When to Never Prune Trees: Fall is the worst time to prune because the wounds heal slower. With the slowing of the healing process any decay fungi spores that often spread in the fall makes your trees more susceptible to the risk of being infected. Additionally, trees are exerting more energy to prepare for the winter and if they are pruned in the fall, they direct their resources to healing the pruned branches, leaving them vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions.

Tree Services in McDonough, Jackson, Jonesboro, Fayetteville & Hampton GA | Fayette, Clayton & Henry Counties in Central Georgia

To avoid making any pruning mistakes and to have the process, including cleanup, be more effective and safe, call Milam’s Tree Service and let our experts do the rest.