Have some low hanging or dead branches?
Trees getting a little too big for their space?
How do you know when is the best time to trim trees?
Simple.
Yes, I say simple but I have been trimming trees for 30 years. There is a little bit of science behind “simple”. Let’s dive in…
A properly pruned tree not only looks better but it also is safer and healthier.
Pruning helps rejuvenate growth, rids the tree of dead and diseased branches and helps shape the tree.
The ideal time to trim trees is when the trees are dormant. Dormancy is when a plant or tree has temporary metabolic inactivity. You will notice your trees losing their leaves. Once the leaves are down, you can really examine your trees and make an informed decision which branches to remove.
Looking at the image above, you can see the red portions of the tree that need to be removed.
Removing a competing leader will keep the shape of your tree. If you allow this competitor to grow, it will form a “Y” in your tree causing it to have a “wonky” look. Trunk will weaken the tree as the develops and potentially split or break at the “Y”.
Removing branches that are too crowded together can eliminate branches from possibly rubbing, creating water pockets or cozy homes for unwanted insects and animals. Just think what a nice safe space those branches would be for a paper wasp nest….
Water sprouts (branches growing straight up) and suckers (growth from the roots) should also be removed as soon as you see them. Allowing water sprouts to remain can ruin the tree’s shape and divert energy from the rest of the tree. A tree sucker will sap the energy away from the healthier and more desirable branches on top.
What Do I Trim With?
Trimming a branch or limb can potentially require a few different tools. Making sure you have the correct tool and knowledge of these tools is important to both your safety and the outcome of your trimming.
Pruners: Felco and Corona both make great hand held pruners for the smaller branches 1″ and under. Products such as these are one-handed and relatively easy to use. Hand held pruners are always great to have, especially for smaller shrubs.
Shears: Meant for very thin branches. These a mainly for shrubs or tips of evergreens such as arborvitae, boxwoods, douglas fir, etc. We can get into the art (yes its an art) of shaping trees and shrubs in another blog.
Loppers: A two-handed trimmer for branches 2 1/4″ and under. Make sure that you are properly placing the blades around the branch so you can make a clean and precise cut. Doing this will create less stress and damage to the tree and improve the overall appearance.
Hand Saw: Your standard “old-school” hand saw. Great for branches about 4″ and under. The reason this product is still around is because it really works! You would be surprised how clean of a cut they make and you don’t need a great amount of force to use.
Chainsaw: Recommended for the more advanced user. As always, when using a chainsaw, please make sure you are using the right size saw for the job, the chain is sharp, bar oil & fuel mix is full and all personal protective gear is worn at all times. If you are unfamiliar with chainsaw operation or are uncomfortable with operating a chainsaw, please call your local arborist for a quote to have your trees trimmed for you.
Pole Saw: Branch just a little too far out of reach? Well, not anymore! Not only can you get a manual pole saw but you can also get gas powered pole saws. And talk about options! They make different length shafts and some come with a shaft extension. You can also get different types of blades and sizes. As always, you need to be very careful with this tool. Where you cut and where you are standing are extremely important. Safety, safety, safety!
Cut it Right
You mean there is a right and wrong way to cut a branch? YUP! Believe it or not, our trees can get stressed. If you cut back too far or on the incorrect angle you can potentially damage the tree and stress it. Less growth, off-color or smaller than normal foliage, early leaf drop, cracked bark and dying branches are all indications that a tree may be under stress.
One of the most common pruning mistakes is the flush cut. This occurs when you cut a branch off flush with the bark of the tree trunk or larger branch to which it’s attached.
While it may look clean and streamlined, a flush cut removes the branch collar, an area of tissue that’s needed to form a seal over the pruning cut. Because the plant cannot close over the wound, a flush cut leaves an opening for pests and pathogens to enter the plant and damage or kill it.
So What’s the Bottom Line?
To directly answer the question, “What is the best time to trim trees?”….. The Fall or Early Spring is best. Wait for the leaves to be down and do not trim when the new buds have began to form on the branches in the Spring. I personally do not recommend trimming trees in the dead of winter. Having an “open wound” in the winter could very well shock the tree resulting in additional damage in the Spring.
Most of my tree trimming is done in the early spring. I tend to do this so that any damage from the winter months can be cleaned up before the new growth emerges. My fruit trees are probably the most important to me at this time. During the fall is when I trim my evergreen trees. The new growth from the spring has completely hardened and I am able to shape the trees to give that picturesque triangular shape I am looking for. I also use the late fall to remove any potential hazardous branches that may be a problem with winter storms.
Use the proper safety equipment (Safety glasses, gloves, chaps, etc) and the correct trimming tool for your job.
Some trimming may require more than one tool. Its okay. You’re better prepared now!