When to Prune a Tree and How to Prune a Tree
Pruning is the process of removing dead, damaged or diseased branches, shaping and thinning out trees and shrubs. It is an essential part of tree care because it improves the overall health and appearance of a tree, as well as its ability to take up sunlight and produce fruit.
General pruning methods include crown thinning, crown raising, crown reduction and crown cleaning.
When to prune a tree
Deciduous and evergreen trees can be trimmed at any time, but they are most likely to need a good pruning job during the fall. It is best to prune deciduous trees after the leaves fall to allow them to recover and prepare for the next season.
When to prune a flowering tree
Spring and summer are the ideal times for pruning flowers and fruit-bearing trees, as these are the most productive times of year. During these periods, most trees have a great deal of food stored in their roots and stems that is required to develop new growth.
During these periods, it is important to prune to maximize the number of new shoots produced by a plant. This may be accomplished by cutting back side branches that grow into the trunk, or it could be done by removing water sprouts.
How to prune a tree
The most important thing when pruning a tree is to follow a plan and consider the reason for the work you are doing. This will help you make sure that your pruning is not damaging the plant.
Once the decision is made, it is usually a good idea to start at the top and work your way down. This makes it easier to shape the tree and saves you time in clearing away pruned limbs that have become lodged.
When to prune a side branch
The first cut should be made underneath the branch, about 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk. The cut should be about a third of the way through, and should be positioned so that you do not damage the collar (stub of a branch that resembles a raised ring around the base of the branch).
This is a vital area for the tree to heal itself. If the collar is removed, it can create a serious wound in the trunk that allows wood-decay fungi to enter the tree. The collar helps to protect the tree from these infections and also seals off, or compartmentalizes, the pruning wounds.
After the cuts are made, stand back and inspect the tree to see if there are any additional corrective pruning cuts that need to be made.
Remove any second leaders that are crooked, defective or lopsided, and eliminate any competing branches that rub against or cross each other. This will encourage the main leader to develop into a more desirable shape, and it is better for the plant to have one strong central leader than two weak ones.
Suckers are long shoots that sprout from the base of a tree or from its root system. They are energy drains on the tree, so they should be removed as soon as they appear.