After daylight saving, the days are longer, the weather is warming, and spring is right around the corner! But it’s that sweet spot when trees still don’t have leaves, making it easy to see if something needs to be cut. Here are some pruning tips to help determine when to pick up those trimming shears and when to put them down.

When to Pick Up the Pruners

Pruning is an important part of plant maintenance. But cutting branches at the wrong time can cause problems. Here are some reasons why you’ll want to get the pruners ready:

1. Sharpen blades. Clean, sharp blades make healthier cuts. Dirty blades could spread disease. Dull blades may tear the bark while trimming, so the wound won’t heal as well. Instead, it may invite disease to come and play.
2. A few dead, diseased, or broken branches. Not matter the time of year, it’s always a good idea to take care of potentially hazardous branches before they fall themselves.
3. Summer bloomer. If the tree or shrub won’t bloom until the summer, now’s the time to get it into shape.
4. Crisscrossing branches. Give your plant some breathing room by clearing out branches that rub together.

When you’re pruning tools are in the right shape, your cuts will be more precise, and your plant will have a better chance at thriving this spring.

When to Put the Pruners Down

While late winter and early spring is an ideal time to prune many plants, it’s not the case for some. Here’s when you should reconsider making any cuts:

1. There are flower buds present. Signs of growth means it’s not time to prune yet. If you do, you’ll not only miss out on beautiful blooms, but you’ll stress out your plant. Wait until the flowers fade, then you can trim.
2. Too many dead, diseased branches. There is such thing as overpruning. If you notice a lot of branches that need to go, consider your other options. If it’s a fungal disease, you may be better off with a treatment plan. If the tree is dead, your best bet is to take it down completely. Contact a plant care professional to help assess and make the call.
3. Can’t reach without a ladder. If the tree or shrub is tall enough where you can’t access the branches without getting on a ladder, it’s safer to seek professional help. Whether you’re using a small hand pruner or large lopper, taking any sharp object up an unsteady set of steps is not the safest idea.

Yes, pruning is important to help maintain the health of any tree, shrub, and other plant. But certain circumstances dictate when it’s the best time.

Professional Pruning Tips

If you’re still unsure about making the right cuts, call the experts at Elite Tree Care to help you decide. After a consultation, you’ll have a better understanding of when to arm yourself with pruners and when to wait. We’re also able to help diagnose any possible disease and discuss tree removal if needed.