Pruning is a vital tree maintenance activity that keeps the trees and shrubs looking tidy and promotes healthy and proper growth. However, home- and commercial property owners often believe that the trees do not require much care and upkeep when they go dormant during the winter. Therefore, they avoid hiring a tree service to prune the trees during this period.
According to tree experts, late fall or winter provides a perfect opportunity for pruning as it aids in maximizing tree growth during spring and summer. Not caring for the landscape during the dormant season increases the risk of damage and infestation.
What is dormant pruning?
Dormant pruning is the process of using routine pruning practices on trees and shrubs when they are not growing or flowering actively. It involves removing dead, diseased, decaying, or unwanted branches, reshaping overgrown trees, and restoring a damaged or diseased tree or shrub.
Importance of pruning dormant trees
Pruning the dormant landscape offers homeowners several advantages, including:
Better results
Pruning dormant trees yields better results in spring. Winter is ideal for pruning trees as, during this time, the trees have no foliage, and it is easier to inspect and evaluate them and identify issues. Professionals can easily spot the best areas to prune to maintain the structural integrity of the tree. The trees are in sleep mode during this time which puts less stress on them, and they heal more quickly and promote new growth in spring. The trees can use all their energy and nutrients to support healthy branches instead of wasting them on damaged and diseased branches. Corrective pruning also promotes better air circulation and sunlight essential for efficient growth.
Improves aesthetics
It is easier to shape dormant trees accurately to enhance the overall look and feel of the property. The firm ground during winters makes it easier to use heavy equipment and machinery without causing damage to the landscape or resulting in soil compaction. Dormant pruning also improves the quality of leaves and flowers, making the landscape more inviting and preserving its look. Pruning is used in winters to ensure that tree branches do not intrude on the walkways or home’s foundation.
Enhances safety
When the trees are free from overgrown and dead, weak, or decaying branches, it reduces the risk of limbs breaking off and injuring a passerby or damaging the surrounding area during winters. Pruning dormant trees prepares them to better withstand the storm season and clears branches that are encroaching the vital areas of the property, blocking the views, or posing a threat of attracting pests and insects.
Better disease control
The cuts made during pruning make the tree susceptible to disease-causing pathogens in the warmer months. However, during winter, the fungi, parasites, insects, and bacteria are dead or dormant, and the tree’s exposure to pests and insects is limited and reduces the likelihood of spreading diseases.
Increases tree life
Regularly pruning dormant trees keeps them healthy throughout the year and avoids premature tree removal. Strong trees can withstand harsh weather conditions, like winds, snow, sun, and ice. When trees enter the growing season in good health, they are more likely to thrive better and live longer.
Pruning dormant trees sets them up for new and healthy growth in the warm season. Contact a local tree pruning service if you want to maximize the benefits of dormant pruning.
Chuck’s Tree Service offers tree trimming and pruning, palm tree trimming, and tree removal, in Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas Counties. 24/7 emergency service. Call us today at 727-351-8488!
