Most trees are best pruned in the late dormant season, from late winter to early spring, but some groups need a different window: oaks are never pruned from April to October, maples and birches wait until their leaves are fully out, and spring flowering trees such as magnolia are pruned right after they bloom. Dead branches can be removed at any time.

Why does pruning time matter?

Because a cut made just before spring growth stays open only briefly, while fungi and insects are still dormant. Pruning at the wrong time can invite disease, such as oak wilt in oaks or fireblight in apples, or leave a tree bleeding sap.

When should oaks be pruned?

From November through March, outside the oak wilt season. Fresh cuts made from April to October attract the beetles that spread oak wilt, so an oak that must be cut in that window gets wound dressing or latex paint to mask the scent of fresh wood.

When should maples and birches be pruned?

After their leaves are fully expanded, in late spring or early summer. Maples, birches, and walnuts have free flowing sap that bleeds after a late winter cut, and no more than a quarter of the live foliage is taken at once.

When should flowering and fruit trees be pruned?

It depends on when they bloom. Magnolias, flowering cherries, and other spring bloomers are pruned right after flowering, while apples and crabapples are pruned in late winter, since spring or summer cuts raise the risk of fireblight.

When should pines and other evergreens be pruned?

Pines are pruned before their new needles mature, while spruces and firs can be pruned any time, with late winter preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a tree be fertilized after pruning?

Yes. Feeding helps a tree close its pruning wounds and recover, and TreeHelp's guidance pairs pruning with the TreeHelp Annual Care Kit, which combines fertilizer and mycorrhizal fungi matched to the species with a biostimulant watered onto the roots.

How much of a pine's new growth can be cut?

Up to two thirds of the length of the newly expanded candles, which encourages denser growth.

Can arborvitae, junipers, and yews be pruned in summer?

Yes. They can be pruned any time through the middle of summer.

When should a honeylocust be pruned?

While still dormant in late winter, to avoid stem cankers, and away from rainy or humid weather if a summer cut cannot wait.