Leaves have fallen, the garden is bare, so it’s the perfect time to focus your attention on the trees. Winter tree pruning is easier than any other time of year, because you can easily see the problem branches, there are les insects to feed on fresh cuts, and the plants have already gone dormant for the season. There’s still a right and a not-so-great way to prune trees, no matter the season. So be sure to keep the following in mind.

Learn about Winter Tree Pruning

You’ve made it this far, so you’re already on the right track. Know what kind of tree you’re working with and plan what you’re going to prune. Not planning could lead to too much cutting.

The goal is to maintain the natural shape and get rid of anything that may cause future damage. This could be broken branches or any signs of disease or decay, like lumps and lesions. You also want to remove any branches that rub together. Start at the center and work your way out. Thinning the canopy helps increase air circulation through the branches.

How Not to Prune a Tree

There are some ways to prune too much, cause undue stress on a tree, and eventually lead to its demise. Try not to do the following:

• Don’t remove more than 25% of the branches. This encourages the growth of suckers.
• Don’t leave a stub. This can also promote the growth of suckers and ruin the plant’s natural outline. Open ends also leave the plant vulnerable to diseases.

Proper Winter Tree Pruning Tools

No matter what season it is, you want to use the right equipment for pruning trees. If the tree is too large to prune without a ladder, consider having a professional tree service do the job. With the ground already frozen, and most plants dormant, there’s less of a chance to do further damage to your yard when bringing in heavy pruning equipment. Contact Elite Tree Care for more information on winter tree pruning, and for a consultation for any major pruning projects on your list.