To trim a tree properly, you must remove the right number of branches, make the cuts at the right places, and do it in the correct season. Most people get the first two things correct, but not the last one. This is bad because trimming a tree out of season may not achieve the desired target. In fact, there is no single season for trimming trees; there are several factors that determine the season. Here are a few examples of those factors:
You Wish to Improve the Tree's Growth
Trimming a tree is one way of encouraging growth in a tree, especially if the tree has overgrown foliage that is choking it. Remove excess foliage will enable the remaining ones to enjoy the optimal air, water, nutrients, and sunlight, all of which trees need to thrive. This kind of trimming should be carried out when the tree is dormant, specifically towards the end of winter, so that the tree can embrace the burst of spring growth in its pruned state.
You Want to Remove Damaged Branches
If the purpose of trimming a tree is to remove diseased branches that may affect the other parts of the plant, then you need to do the trimming as soon as possible. In this case, it doesn't matter whether it is the winter or fall. The same is true if you need to remove broken branches that are in danger of falling and causing further damage.
You wish to enhance fruit production
Trimming is also an excellent way of encouraging flowering, which ultimately leads to enhanced fruit production in fruit trees. A fruit tree with too much foliage may produce lots of undersized fruits; trimming may boost the quality of the fruits produced. In this case, prune the tree after picking the fruits so that it has time to recover before the next flowering season.
You Want to Direct the Tree's Growth
As you probably know, trimming can also be used to direct a tree to grow in a specific direction. For example, you can remove the lower branches if you want to encourage vertical growth, remove the tip of the tree if you wish to dwarf it or remove branches on one side to encourage spread on the other side. This kind of trimming is best done when the tree has completed its seasonal growth so that the removed branches don't struggle to recuperate.
As you can see, you should not just wake up one day and decide to prune a tree. You need to use the reason for the trimming to determine the best time for doing it. Ask a tree service company, such as Johnson's Tree Service & Stump Grinding, to get additional information tree trimming advice.
