Proper Time to Prune Trees and Shrubs

Last Updated on August 18, 2021 by woodcutter

Pruning trees and shrubs are one of the greatest methods to thin out overgrown parts and stimulate new growth. However, you may be wondering about which proper time to prune trees and shrubs. Well, timing is essential in everything, so in this article, I’m going to detail more about the correct time to prune trees and shrubs.

Suitable time to Prune Trees and Shrubs

The best idea for all is knowing when to prune trees and shrubs. Let me get straight to my point; pruning trees and shrubs is done when leaves changes in fall and when flowers begin to bloom in early spring. And also, it can be done late winter, fall, and during early spring. To make it more explicit about the suitable time to prune trees and shrubs, I have to extract into more details:

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees shed their leaves for part of a year are usually deciduous trees, for instance, maple, elm, and oak are good examples of deciduous trees. From February to March, the best suitable time to prune deciduous because, in this period, few/no leaves may be found, which gives you a proper selection of stems/branches to cut.

To avoid pruning trees in the spring and fall if you see that leaves are break budding and dropping out, evading can save your trees. Usually, diseases such as wilting can be acquired in March through October. For instance, we have an Oak wilt fungal disease. This type of fungal can widely spread to other healthy trees.

Fruit Trees

When we talk about fruit trees, what comes in our head are apples, mangoes, e.t.c; these are almost eaten every day by people. The best time to prune these trees is from late February to April. Fruit trees are usually pruned when the tree has no leaves left. In summer, pruning removes leaves, fruit growth slows, and fruits become exposed by the sunlight. It is recommended to prune them immediately after they bloom quickly. This will allow the growth of new flower buds for the next year period.

Evergreen Trees

Unlike deciduous trees, seasonal timing is not that vital for an evergreen tree. Pruning evergreen trees using dormancy practice will result in an intense rush of springtime growth. Late winter is the best time to remove lower branches on evergreen trees. If any damages or bad weather occurs, immediate pruning is required thereat. Branched conifers are pruned in spring resulting in new bud growth, which later covers wounds. Regular maintenance of branched conifers is needed.

Avoiding to prune evergreen trees before summer and early fall is required. Failure to do so might end up damaging newly coming trees by cold.

Deciduous Shrubs

During spring flowering, pruning of deciduous shrubs is needed. This is usually done when flower buds have grown in the previous year. We have “forsythia” and “lilac” if you see that these shrubs have bloomed in the previous year; no hesitation of pruning in early spring shall come in your head. Early spring for these shrubs is the proper time to prune.

The rejuvenation method is used to maintain vigor to old shrubs. Pruning of stems to the ground level help to achieve the best results for repaired vigor, which is likely seen in shrubs such as “forsythia,” “privet,” and “hydrangea.” Another factor, are spring-flowering shrubs, which are pruned immediately after flowering, which will allow you to enjoy the view of spring flowers displayed and, to some extent, provide time for shrubs to manufacture new flower buds for the coming season.

They are some old spring-flowering usually neglected by people, but they require regular pruning to renew vegetation. Those overgrown shrubs are pruned in late winter, which is mid-February, and early spring, which is also early April. The reason to prune overgrown shrubs in this period is to avoid leaves to drop out, so heavy pruning is needed to reduce or destroy bloom flower parade, thereby restoring health as time goes on.

Sometimes spring-flowering may also need light pruning. It is recommended to prune them immediately after they bloom quickly. This will allow the growth of new flower buds for the next year period. Summer flowering shrubs usually bloom in summer. So the best time to prune is typically late winter or early spring. For those deciduous shrubs which don’t produce attractive flowers, pruning in late winter or early spring is the best.

Summer so-called flowering shrubs such as “Japanese spirea” bloom gradually in current year’s grown; therefore, pruning them late winter is a good timing strategy as some come to the beautiful bloom on their season’s growth. Do not prune deciduous shrubs in late summer due to new growth, which might not harden much, later making them be damaged in cold weather.

Evergreen Shrubs

Pruning of evergreen shrubs is usually done in late March to April. On these two months, before any new growth begins, a light pruning is needed; therefore, avoidance of pruning in fall is necessary. When pruning, use a general branching pattern to maintain the shape of the shrubs. Evergreens shrubs look good when pruned to their natural form. Dead and diseased branches should be regularly removed. Early summer is the best month to start sheering. Shearing will help cuts to heal quickly, and the formation of new sprouts begins.

Why Fall is Worst Time for Pruning

When we talk about fall, people intend to have that ambition to prune. This season is the worst time for pruning; better relax, take a coffee, and enjoy. Sometimes you might stress yourself every year, pruning in the fall, having new growth when all plants are demanding to go dormant as a result weakening the plant. Imagine trying to prune on a warm day, and then liquid goes inside a plant. At night becomes very cold to the extent that the plant freezes; as a result, the plant dies. The proper time to prune is late winter or in early spring.

Proper pruning of overgrown flowering shrubs and trees helps plants produce more flowers and fruits, benefiting both humans and animals. Most wood plants become dormant in winter, and the leafing out process makes it easy for you to visualize what you are doing. Please remember to avoid pruning in the fall.

Don’t Prune When It’s Wet.

This is a general rule, don’t prune when it’s wet. Pruning spreads diseases and sometimes acquires bacteria that destroy your trees and shrubs. It’s a great idea to wait until the sun is out but wait until water dries out, and the sun will also help to destroy bacteria.

Keep Tools Clean

All pruning tools should be kept clean. Remember cutting diseased branches and make sure to clean all tools thoroughly. It’s for the best to clean tools before moving to another tree or shrub to avoid diseases. You can disinfect the tools using hot water, soap, or any other disinfectant chemicals. Make sure to dry your tools whenever you wash.

Bonus Tips

• Winter

Winter season is the best time to prune most trees. Tree Service Dallas to know when to prune your lawn. For instance, deciduous trees and shrubs provide the best results when pruned in late winter or early spring season.

• Spring

Spring season is the proper time of the year to prune trees that usually bloom in summer. Summer blooming trees and shrubs provide the best results when pruned in winter or early spring before buds’ new growth.

• Summer

Summer season is the proper time to prune mostly thin flowering trees or shrubs. When flowers are fade, pruning of trees or shrubs is needed. Those regions with harsh weather conditions are for the best prune in late summer to encourage new growth buds before cold weather.

• Fall

The fall season is the proper time of the year to prune damaged trees. In this season, dead or damaged branches are pruned. Even though pruning on a wrong time doesn’t hurt much but if it affects the years’ flower or fruit.

Final Verdict

Finally, the truth behind proper time to prune trees and shrubs has been proven above. There is no need for you to stress about finding out the best time to prune your trees and shrubs. Put it in mind that it’s a vital aspect to respect proper time to ensure the attractiveness, healthiness, and productiveness of both trees and shrubs.

Some people may think pruning in the fall is the appropriate time, which is not accurate. In winter, leaves fall, and large branches usually become dubious. Additional trees will be prepared for dormancy; thus proper timing is wise. Note that preparing for the actual time to prune trees and shrubs will make life easier for you and your family. In uttermost cases, it’s a wise way not to prune rather than doing it incorrectly.