Should trees be trimmed in the spring? The answer is yes. In fact, most arborists encourage it. However, there are some instances where trimming trees in the spring is not really recommended. It is, therefore, advisable that you contact a local tree service company to help you determine whether you can have your trees pruned in spring or not. Ideally, you should consider these factors before you start trimming trees in the spring.
1. Has Your Tree Started to Bloom?
Arborists encourage spring tree pruning before a tree starts to bloom. With that said, you can call a professional tree service company to carry out what is known as dormant pruning. One of the key benefits of dormant pruning is that it reduces overgrown trees and shrubs. Another benefit is that it maintains the structure of trees. A tree is likely to last longer if its structure is well maintained. Dormant pruning also helps keep diseases at bay.
2. Is the Tree a Hazard?
If the tree is a hazard, then you should consider calling an experienced arborist to trim it. The arborist will get rid of dead, dying, or decaying branches to help eliminate any safety concerns. The arborist will also look for any branches hanging directly over your home and have them trimmed.
3. Is Your Tree of a Certain Variety?
Professional arborists will tell you that tree trimming should only be done when there is a significant chance that it will improve the health of your tree. Furthermore, before you start trimming trees in spring, you should note that different trees have different leafing and growth schedules. This means some species of trees should only be trimmed in spring, while others should be trimmed in winter, early summer, or fall.
Examples of trees to trim in spring are apple trees, peach trees, and cherry trees. Like most fruiting trees, apple trees should be trimmed every other year. It is advisable that you trim your apple trees towards the end of winter or at the beginning of spring.
Peach trees should be trimmed annually, which is more often than most fruiting trees. The best time to trim peach trees is in the early parts of spring. This allows new leaves to develop. It also gives you a chance to maintain the health and density of branches.
The best time to trim cherry trees is at the early stages of spring. This helps improve fruit production and maintain the overall health of these trees. That is because trimming cherry trees in spring gives them more resources to channel toward fruit production.
On the other hand, examples of trees you should not trim in spring are oak trees and elm trees. The best time to trim oak trees is in the winter. That is because these trees tend to get infected by a disease called oak wilt when trimmed at the wrong time.
Ideally, you should have a local arborist trim your elm trees towards the end of winter or in the very early days of spring. That is because elm trees tend to get infected by Dutch elm disease. Other trees you should not trim in spring include apricot, sycamore, barberry, and honey locust.
Trimming trees in spring can be trickier than anticipated. That is why it is highly recommended that you seek the services of a professional tree service company. At Benjamin’s Tree Service, we offer professional trimming and pruning services to keep the residents of Las Vegas, NV happy, so call us today.
