A good rule of thumb to follow is to prune a tree when it’s dormant. This rule, however, is flexible depending on factors like the tree’s species, growth patterns and physical condition. For example, damaged trees and many types of fruit trees will likely benefit from a summertime pruning session, and summer is also an ideal time for tree shaping. The first thing you should do before pruning your trees is gather information pertaining to the trees on your property. Don’t just hack away at established branches and young limbs with reckless abandon!
Take a hard look around at the trees in your front and back yards. Is it time to plan for seasonal tree care? You might be surprised to find out that tree pruning is quite okay to do during the warmer months. Here are the top benefits of pruning your trees during the summer:
- Remove dead limbs and foliage: After a long cold winter and rainy spring, you need to check your trees for damaged, diseased or dead parts—especially big limbs. With summer now here, you should carefully remove these bad tree parts, so as to not cause further harm. Avoid unnecessary limb removal, and instead focus on cutting off any limbs that appear to have the potential to cause further stress or damage to the tree. Also, trees pruned in the summer are in less danger of falling over onto your home during a storm later on.
- Promote healthy growth: The goal is to grow hardy and healthy trees so their branches remain sturdy for years to come. Summertime is a good time to prune back struggling tree growth to encourage strong re-growth. If shoots grow back quickly toward the later end of summer, pinch them back again. To keep from damaging limbs, consider hiring a professional to prune your trees.
- Maintain tree strength: Pruning during the summer sets the limbs up to grow in the directions you want them to, as well as promotes a lush canopy. Pruning also allows more light and air to reach the trunk so trees stay healthy.
- Prevent disease: Of all the trees, fruit trees are among the most susceptible to disease. Pruning away diseased limbs during the summer months can reduce the spread of disease to other parts of that tree and any nearby trees and plants. Check tree limbs for fungus and rot. Remove the infected piece to stop fungus from spreading.
- Stave off pests: A big advantage of summer tree pruning is pest control. Inspect your trees’ limbs all around, keeping your eyes open for pests like aphids and mites. It can be as simple as picking off and disposing of pest-infested fruit, but branches with pest damage must be removed to ensure the tree’s overall health and long life.
If your trees could benefit from summertime pruning, but you are not sure which ones to prune or how much to cut back, call the experienced team at Allan’s Tree Service. We are your one-stop shop for tree care!
Categorised in: Tree Care
This post was written by Allan's