Winter Tree Pruning
Jan Martin, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
Now is the time to be thinking about giving your trees their winter haircuts. You may be thinking that they don’t need to be pruned, but the best time to do this is February thru early April, when trees are dormant. Pruning trees help change the form and growth of the tree, aiding in the prevention of insect and disease damage. In addition, pruning can promote overall plant health and appearance, while protecting people and property. Here are some reasons why it might motivate you to take an industrial size scissor to your favorite red oak.
To change the form and growth of your tree, develop a pruning plan early in the life of your tree so that pruning can be done at the right time as it grows. Find the dominant branch leader and remove any others that may conflict with this later on in the tree’s growth. Identify the lowest branch in the full canopy of the tree and maintain this desired lowest branch to ensure future growth is managed. Identify the spaces that allow branches to grow without running into other branches.
During the growing season, it is important to remove any infected, dead or dying branches to prevent insect and disease damage. During the dormant season, your chance to bring more air flow through the branches is the best method to reduce the risk of fungi and other bacteria that may infect your tree.
To promote plant health and improve appearance, your job is to shape the tree as you envision it best suited to the environment it is planted in. During any pruning event, you should only remove, at most, 30% of the plant. It is best to first focus on any dead or dying branches caused by disease, animals, storms and branches that are too close to one another.
To protect people and property, prune branches that are weak or narrow that overhang homes, parking areas or walkways to reduce the risk of branches falling and injuring someone or something. Always eliminate branches that interfere with traffic lights, overhead wires, or other items, such as street signs.
Remember one type of haircut doesn’t fit ALL trees. Your poor oak wouldn’t look as handsome with a bowl cut as a small ornamental tree would. The types of tools you plan to use are just as important. You want to ensure you have a clean cut, no fraying or jagged cuts, as they could increase the likelihood of injuring your tree or inviting unwelcome guests. Equally important, ensure your tools are clean. If you have to cut diseased branches, sterilize your equipment prior to reusing on another tree or on a healthy part of the tree. Identify the type of tree you have and research the criteria you need for pruning and use the appropriate equipment to do the job.You may also want to check with an arborist if you have any questions or have them do the pruning for you.
Save the date April 4, 2020 for Anoka County Master Gardener’s Home Landscaping & Garden Fair.
Register online www.anokamastergardeners.org or call 612.301.1210