With winter in full swing and the leaves all gone, the reality is that winter is a good time for pruning and tree removal. Some major pruning work should only be done during the winter, such as pruning fruit trees to maximize fruit production.

The Benefits of Pruning Trees

Pruning on Winter is Less Stressful for Your Trees

Pruning during the active growing season can cause stress for your. Trees go dormant during the winter months, making it the perfect time to prune. With extra energy reserves, trees are able to heal more quickly.

Winter Pruning Yields a Better Result

Pruning when all the leaves have dropped from the tree makes it easier to view the best places to prune to maintain structural integrity. This makes your pruning more efficiency and effective.

Winter Pruning Limits Exposure to Pests and Diseases

Many of the pests and diseases that can often infect trees via pruning cuts are also dormant during the winter months, making it an attractive reason to consider winter pruning. However, winter is the only time to consider pruning. Oaks are one such example because they are particularly susceptible to beetle infestations and oak wilt, an extremely destructive fungal disease.

Winter Pruning Preserves the Look of Your Property

Winter pruning helps shape your trees to grow in the manner best for your property — whether that be to avoid interfering with structures or walkways or to promote or constrain growth. Pruning your trees during the winter is also good for neighboring plant material, much of which is also dormant and less likely to be disturbed. Additionally, there’s less risk of equipment causing soil compaction thanks to firmer ground.