Pruning Tips for Fall and Winter Trees

Many trees will benefit from a pruning in the fall or winter. However you’ll want to do your homework on correct timing and strategies when it comes to this process.

A winter tree pruning guide for pruning trees over the colder months.

Why Prune in Fall and Winter?

There are many benefits to pruning in the fall and winter. Without foliage in the way, we can better see how a branch’s structure lies when trees are dormant.

Pruning during dormancy also limits sap loss and prevents the movement of pathogens, which are more likely to occur in active growth than dormant plants. The other reason to prune in the cold months is because this allows springtime shoots and blooms to put extra energy into growing.

Know What to Prune

However, not every tree needs fall or winter trimming. For example, spring-blooming trees and shrubs can lose bloom buds if they are pruned too early. Instead, most deciduous trees — maples, oaks and fruit trees — do better if pruned in winter. So when pruning what would you aim for?

• Dead or Infected Branches: Cut off (also known as prune) all dead, dying or infected wood. It helps slow the spread of decay and diseases and focuses its energy on healthy growth.
• Crossing or Rubbing Branches: When branches cross over nearby ones, or rub against each other this will create wounds and offer entry points for pests and infections. Remove the proper branch to write structure.
• Broken or Weak limbs: Get rid of any broken or weak branches that may become a potential hazard or cause structural issues as they grow onward.
• Water sprouts and suckers: These speedy, weak branches can steal energy from the tree. They have to get rid of them so that they can develop and structure better.

Use Proper Tools

Having the right tools is a big part of safe and effective pruning. Hand pruners, loppers or a pruning saw — depending on the size of the branch.

Clean and sharpen all tools before use in order to make cuts cleanly, with the goal of minimizing stress on the tree. With dull tools, for example, bark can be ripped off leaving jagged wounds that are more susceptible to disease.

Prune at the Right Angle

And, always cut at the branch collar which is where a branch meets the trunk or another branch and will appear as a swollen area.

Too deep of a cut, or leaving a long stub can actually be damaging to the tree and slow down healing. Cut at a 45-degree angle for water runoff — that way it won’t rot.

Avoid Over-Pruning

Though cutting back a lot may sound appealing, your tree will appreciate if you exercise some restraint — without an excess of foliage, trees become it’s best stress factors.

A good way of generally approaching this is, to never remove more than 25-30% of the tree canopy in one season. A tree with excessive pruning may grow back weakly, becoming more susceptible to wind and disease.

Be Mindful of Timing

Many trees benefit from being pruned in late winter, just prior to the coming spring growth. In early fall, do not prune it out, as the wounds may not heal before winter. Also, do not prune trees susceptible to diseases such as oak wilt in seasons of high risk (usually spring and early summer).

Know Tree-Specific Needs

These are some trees that perform best with a special type of pruning. Some trees, such as maples and birches may “bleed” sap if pruned too late in winter (not harm them ) Late winter is the best time to prune fruit trees to still benefit from having a canopy that allows for full sun for fruits.

Thinking About Hiring a Tree Pruning Expert

When dealing with larger or mature trees, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a certified arborist. Professional tree trimmers know how to do this safely and efficiently, especially when it comes to tall trees or ones that are close to power lines.

These are all reasons why pruning your trees benefits you by promoting health, and safety, and beauty in the fall or winter.

Focusing on deadwood, structure types and disease prevention means your trees will be set up for success all year round and provide lasting beauty to your landscape.

Doing it correctly is actually an investment in the longevity of your trees.