The late dormant period in early spring is a good time to prune deciduous trees because there's no foliage on the trees, which makes it easy to see the tree's framework and identify which limbs or branches need to be removed. Also, the wound caused by pruning heals faster in the spring before new growth begins. Master gardener Chris Dawson demonstrates how to correctly prune trees:
Here's what to look for when pruning:
- The branches that you may want to remove on older trees are laterals or side branches that have grown higher than the main trunk of the tree.
- Remove broken branches and those that have grown inward toward the center of the crown.
- Remove water sprouts--those willowy shoots that grow straight up from the branches or trunk.
When removing a branch, don't make cuts that are flush with the trunk. These kinds of cuts make large wounds and destroy the tree's natural ability for rapid healing. Make the cut just beyond the branch collar--that is, the swollen ridge at the base of the branch. This collar area contains the tree's natural defense mechanisms and promotes the healing process.
When pruning, put the hook of the lopper over the top of the branch to be cut and the blade below because the softer wood is on the bottom, enabling a clean, smooth cut. If the limb is more than 1-1/2 inches in diameter, use a pruning saw.
For large limbs, use the three-cut method:
- The first cut is made three inches out from the main trunk, cut up halfway through the branch from the bottom.
- The second cut is made from the top, a couple of inches out from the bottom cut. Notice that as you saw, the weight of the limb causes it to rip from the tree. The bottom cut prevents the limb from ripping back to the trunk and creating a big wound in the tree.
- The last step is to remove the stub, just outside the bark ridge.
Although spring is the best time to prune most trees, there are exceptions. Don't prune oak trees before midsummer in your area. This is important to prevent the risk of spreading oak wilt, a serious disease affecting oaks in some regions.
You may find some trees, such as maples, elms, and birch, bleed heavily when they are pruned in late winter or early spring. Don't be alarmed; eventually the flow of sap will slow and stop. If this bleeding bothers you, delay pruning until midsummer.
Pruning involves many potential hazards, from eye injuries to falls and cuts, so words of caution:
- Wear safety glasses.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Make sure your tools are sharp.
- Prune only those branches you can reach while standing on the ground. If high branches need pruning, call in a professional.
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