Spring Tree Trimming Tips

Spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to your house. Pruning trees in the spring is like spring cleaning for your yard and garden. Not only does this enhance the beauty of your yard, but it also improves the overall health of your trees as well. But you cannot go in and haphazardly cut branches. There is a science to trimming and pruning, and Southern Star Tree Service is here to break it down for you. We are your local tree care professionals offering a line of tree removal services from the tree’s birth to its removal. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to hire an ISA certified arborist, then call Southern Star Tree Service and get in touch with a friendly representative today.

Why It Is Important to Prune Trees

Trees are living organisms just as we are. They get nutrients, oxygen, and water from their surroundings to support their growth and development. Roots, branches, and leaves all play important roles in sustaining the tree. However, trees can get too big just as we can. Pruning and trimming is like getting rid of extra fat. An overabundance of branches and leaves can restrict air flow, sunlight, and the ability of the tree to grow correctly. Pruning is also used to limit the spread of disease and waste of nutrients. In short, pruning is important because it promotes healthy growth and makes your trees visually appealing.

When to Trim and Prune Trees

The general rule of thumb is to prune trees when they are dormant, usually in the lifeless months of winter. This way, you will not be interfering with its growth cycle. Once trees start budding or blooming in spring, pruning can put your tree in harm’s way by stunting growth. Still, to every rule are exceptions. 
You can safely prune trees in spring as long as you do not remove too many of the branches. We like to limit spring pruning to 10 percent of the tree’s branches. Your priority for spring pruning should be the tree’s health more than for aesthetics. You can spring prune any dead, decaying, and diseased branches to keep your tree healthy. A little bit of a haircut for aesthetics is okay but don’t go overboard.

Trees That Are Made to Be Pruned in Spring

There are many different species of trees and each species has its own timetable. When determining the best time to prune, you must consider when the tree species blooms. For example, maple trees, walnut trees, and birch trees can be pruned in late spring or early summer. Apricot trees, dogwood trees, flowering cherry trees, magnolia trees, and crabapple trees can be pruned once they’re done blooming for the season in spring.

Trees That Should NOT Be Pruned in Spring

Another reason we advise against pruning in spring is because this is the season when insect infestations and diseases are common. Pruning wounds trees and leaves them vulnerable to infestations and infections. Oak trees, elm trees, sycamore trees, and honeylocust trees are especially susceptible to harm if pruned in spring.