When is the Best Time for Tree Pruning in Rochester, NY?

Tree pruning can help the longevity and growth of a tree in many ways. It can improve the health as well as the appearance of a tree. Pruning can also reduce the risk of any harmful diseases that could spread from the affected, damaged, or dead branches. 

Pruning cannot be done at any time of the year. There are certain periods where pruning can give the best outputs. Tree pruning in Rochester, NY varies according to the tree species, health, and climate.

Having a better understanding of tree pruning will help you to determine when to do it and how can it affect the tree if it is done wrong.

What is tree pruning?

Pruning is the process of removing selected branches from a tree. The aim of doing this is to promote healthy growth, improve the shape of the tree, and motivate flowering and fruiting.

Why pruning is important?

There are several reasons behind its importance,

It can stop further damaging

Pruning dead, damaged, infested, or diseased branches can be hazardous while looking bad on your tree. This will become more dangerous in rough weather as such branches can even damage your property and people. 

Promotes fruit production

Fruiting trees should be pruned to enhance the health of trees that will increase the production of fruits. 

Shaping the tree

This can improve the steadiness and strength of the tree. It can also prevent causing any damage to the properties. 

Let the light in

It will let the sunlight come through and even the leaves growing in the canopy will be able to receive it. This will help the further growth of a tree.

When to prune trees in Rochester, NY?

The best time to prune a tree depends on the tree species and the situation. But generally speaking, the best time to prune in Rochester, NY that the arborists recommend is between the late autumn and the blooms in spring.

Why? Because the trees enter the dormant stage during this season where they will halt growth. This inactivity and the lower temperature is the idle time. Pruning at the growth period can limit the potential of growing further. 

Things you should consider before tree pruning

Rochester, NY has a beautiful tree spread of different species. This is because the climate here is friendly to many of them to grow and thrive. But there are some facts that you should be aware of if you are pruning in Rochester, NY:

Deciduous trees

Trees like Oak and Maple that shed leaves during the fall season are known as deciduous trees. The best pruning time for such trees is late winter or early spring. The trees suffer less from the stress at these times. 

Evergreen trees

Evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and fir only require a little pruning. They don’t shed leaves in the fall. They remain green throughout the entire year. So if you need to do pruning on these trees, such as removal of dead, broken, or diseased branches, you can do it at any time of the year. We recommend doing this in later winter or early spring in Rochester, NY.

If you want to remove unwanted lower branches or branches that are outgrowing, the late winter is highly recommended. 

Flowering trees

Dogwood, redbud, and cherry are some of the most common flowering trees found in Rochester, NY. These require special care. The best time to prune such trees depends on what time they start blooming in the year. As in common, Prune spring-blooming trees right after they finish flowering. For trees that bloom in summer or fall, prune them in late winter or early spring before they come out of dormancy.

Fruit trees

Fruiting trees should be pruned in the late winter to early spring like many other trees. You can also prune them in late July or August if needed. But keep in mind that intense pruning during this time can be harmful as it weakens the tree. 

Pruning a fruit tree allows for unblocking the sunlight from the rest of the tree. Getting enough sunlight results in the production of healthy and large fruits.

When to avoid pruning?

As much as you know about when to prune trees, you should also be aware of when to avoid it. Here are some cases where you should not do tree pruning, 

During active growth

Stay away from pruning during this period of the trees as it can stress the tree and slow down the growing process. Pruning trees when they are actively growing may also increase the risks of getting diseases or pest infestation. 

Weather

Avoid pruning under extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains, snow, or strong winds. Wet conditions tend to increase the chances of getting diseases. Pruning in cold weather can also harm the trees as they will suffer from the stress. 

Health condition

If a tree is suffering from a disease or has weakened, you have to be extra careful. Make sure you prune only the damaged or dead branches. Weak trees need more time to recover and bounce back to a healthy status. 

Bill Tree Removal: Experts at tree pruning in Rochester, NY

As a certified and licensed tree service in Rochester, NY, we offer you the best tree pruning service in the area. Our certified arborists offer their expertise in tree pruning with special guidance on safe tree-pruning practices. If you think that your property needs the help of a tree pruning service in Rochester, NY, contact Bills Tree Removal.