The Trusty Tree Services Guide to Winter Pruning: Everything You Need to Know for Optimal Growth
Managing the growth and health of your trees can seem daunting. You just want them to be healthy and happy, and part of that process is winter pruning. Edmonton locals might be surprised to know that even during our frigid winters, there are ways we can continue to help our trees grow strong. For some trees, the best time to prune is in winter, as it offers many benefits, including new growth in early spring. The Edmonton arborists from Trusty Tree Services are here with all the information you need to know about tree pruning in the winter. We’ll teach you what trees to prune, which ones to avoid, when to do it, and even how to be a top-notch tree pruner yourself. Keep reading to learn how winter dormancy offers a unique chance to breathe new life into your trees.
Why Should I Perform Winter Pruning?
You can think of tree pruning a bit like a haircut, where we remove dead or diseased branches and old wood; much like removing dead ends, this helps the tree grow fuller in the future. This process can cause serious stress on the tree if done improperly, but having your tree pruned in winter can be better for its health. Most plants are dormant in the winter and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Plus, any pruning wounds your tree receives during the process will heal quickly during the spring growth.
Winter is a great time to prune due to the lack of leaves on the branches, giving pruners a better view of the dead and diseased tree branches. It also helps prevent any damage caused by weak tree limbs being crushed under the heavy ice and snow. Winter is a great time to prune, as it minimizes the spread of disease that can occur when removing infected wood, due to the dormancy of the tree.
What Trees Should I Be Adding to My Winter Pruning Calendar?
Edmonton residents, elm trees are the first tree on this list, and that’s due to Alberta laws designed to curb the spread of Dutch Elm disease. Beetles are inactive during the cold months, making it much less likely they’ll spread to any nearby trees or shrubs. Avoiding the spread of disease is why it is illegal to prune them from April to September, and the wood must be disposed of properly. Prune trees of the elm variety from October to March. Oak trees are similar; they can experience Wilt fungus that is spread by beetles. By pruning in late winter or early spring, you can avoid infection.
Apple and crabapple trees are best pruned in late November to February. When you prune a tree that bears fruit, it drastically boosts the fruit quality and helps with the fruit tree’s disease resistance. Some early or late spring light pruning can also help enhance the tree’s natural shape.
Ash trees, which commonly line Edmonton’s streets, benefit from pruning in late winter to early spring. Pruning in the winter season helps reduce the stress on spring growth and is good for restructuring or shaping. You’ll see these trees truly flourish once spring comes around with proper pruning.
It is best to prune your trees around January to March if they are aspens or poplars. This helps them achieve vigorous growth, encourages a strong canopy, and minimizes pest attraction. Wait till winter and early spring to remove the branches of these trees, as doing so in the spring or summer can lead to potential sucker growth.
Spruce and pine evergreen trees have sap that runs through them, which is integral to the health of the tree. If you prune in the winter, you can help minimize sap loss. It is also important to avoid cutting the central leader to preserve the natural shape of the tree.
Add these trees to your winter pruning calendar, Edmonton residents, and you are sure to see your trees flower, bud, and bloom at their best.
What Trees Should Not Be on That Calendar?
While there are many reasons to prune your tree in winter, there are some species where you should avoid pruning. Birch and maple trees need to be pruned in the summer, around June to July, as it allows the sap flow to stabilize, so you can avoid heavy sap bleeding. Willow trees also do better without winter pruning. They prefer late summer pruning to prevent losing too much moisture to pruning wounds.
How Should I Be Pruning?
Once you have determined that winter is the best time to prune your tree, the proper pruning practice starts with clean pruning shears and precise pruning cuts. Always wait to prune your tree after full dormancy to avoid causing damage from freezing open wounds. Always use sharp, clean tools, including pruning saws and shears, to minimize the trauma and stress to the tree. Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, and aim for just above the branch collar or bud to promote healing and growth. Don’t over-prune either; only 25% of the tree canopy should be removed each year to maintain tree health. For proper tree care, utilize the specific timings we have outlined above.
How Can I Care for My Trees in the Winter?
Edmonton’s long, dry winters can take a serious toll on your trees, requiring extra care and attention. Some steps you can take to help your trees handle the deep freeze include:
- Using deep watering in the late fall to hydrate roots before the ground freezes solid.
- Applying organic mulch around the base of your tree helps insulate the roots and regulate the soil temperature.
- Wrap your sensitive or young trees around the trunk to prevent sunscald and frost cracking.
For the best growth results, combine these methods with winter pruning. Edmonton residents can get the most out of their trees with our professionals.
For Professional Winter Pruning, Edmonton Residents Can Call Trust Tree Services Today!
We hope you enjoyed our guide to winter pruning, Edmonton homeowners. However, if you just don’t have the tools or the time, our Edmonton arborists are here to provide reliable tree pruning services. We employ the latest tree and environmentally friendly tools and methods for all of your tree services.
Contact Trusty Tree Services for tree care in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Leduc, and Fort Saskatchewan.