It’s often recommended that tree pruning should be completed in the fall and winter months when trees are under considerably less stress, and there is a decreased chance of insects and diseases impacting the open wounds of the branch.
But many homeowners want to know if summer tree pruning is safe for the tree as it sometimes can be unavoidable. While not ideal for heavy pruning, there are many good reasons and benefits for summer tree pruning beyond the traditionally recommended seasons.
Dead Tree Limbs
As trees emerge from dormancy in the spring and fully leaf out later in the season, you might notice that some branches are no longer viable. While you certainly could leave them alone until the fall or winter months, the tree is still sending vital nutrients and moisture to those dead branches while robbing them from limbs that are still growing.
Therefore, it’s best to prune the dead branches as soon as their demise is confirmed. Not only will this cause less stress on the tree, but it also lessens the chance of breakage, which could cause damage to structures, people, and pets.
A More Bountiful Harvest
Fruit trees often receive the most significant benefits from summer tree pruning. Pruning out dead branches can increase light penetration and air circulation, promoting overall health while encouraging greater quality of the fruit produced. In addition, summer tree pruning helps support branch development, while weeding out any overlapped branches which might strangle each other for a healthier fruit harvest.
Controlling the Spread of Pests and Diseases
While many things can cause dead branches, pest and disease infestations are common. Therefore, it’s best to remove any infected branches to protect the overall integrity and longevity of the entire tree. Do not compost branches that are known to be infected with pests or diseases, as this will spread them to other trees and shrubs on your property.
Things to Remember
While summer tree pruning can be beneficial, it’s worth repeating that heavy tree pruning should only be done in the fall and winter months when the tree is under less stress. Summer tree pruning should be considered more cosmetic – a branch here and there which might be diseased. If you must prune during the summer, perform it early in the season so the tree doesn’t risk damage to the freshly cut areas.
For more information on summer tree pruning, contact your local SavATree branch today!
