Timing is everything! This couldn’t be more true when it comes to pruning trees on your Winnetka, IL, property. Pruning trees keeps them thriving and looking lush, enhancing not only curb appeal but personal enjoyment as well. However, pruning during the wrong time of the year can lead to the spread of damaging diseases and over time can lead to the premature death of your trees. Read below for the best time to have your trees pruned as part of your lawn care service.
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The Purpose of Pruning
Pruning trees serves many purposes. Pruning can improve the overall health of a tree by preventing insects and decay, as well as helping with its sunlight exposure and water intake, and rejuvenating new growth. The act of pruning involves removing dead and decaying parts of the trees, thinning out areas, and shaping a tree. Getting rid of dead and decaying branches will prevent injury and property damage from falling debris. Keeping trees properly pruned also keeps them looking vibrant and manicured.
Dormancy Offers the Right Time
Most trees should be pruned while they are in a dormant state. A dormant state is very similar to hibernation, in that everything slows down. This is true for even water intake. During a dormant stage, the tree stores its nutrients in its roots conserving energy until the temperatures are conducive for promoting new growth. This allows the tree to stay alive during our frigid winter months. Using this time to prune can be ideal because it creates less stress on the tree and provides the tree time to heal for spring. Dormancy tends to occur in late fall. The first sign of exposed branches when the leaves fall may not be the best time to prune, as pruning too early can lead to the stress of the tree.
Dormant or Dead?
Dormant trees look like dead trees in many cases. If the branch or twig is pliable and difficult to break or snap, it is likely dormant and not dead. Dormant twigs also tend to split and sliver, instead of easily breaking. The inside of a dormant branch or twig will be moist and often have a greenish tint. It is important to know if your tree branches and twigs are dead or just dormant to prevent having dormant branches inadvertently removed.
What Your Lawn Care Service Does
Pruning trees creates open cuts and gashes that allow spores of dangerous diseases to penetrate. This is why pruning trees can be so dangerous during certain times of the year. It is unlikely that these spores are active during the extreme winter conditions here, offering the trees a chance to produce new growth and avoid contracting a disease. There are always the exceptions to the rule. As is the case with pruning. For instance, some spring flowering species of trees should only be pruned in the spring. Additionally, some types of dangerous diseases are more prevalent at different times of the year, and not all trees are prone to the same diseases. This means that knowing what specific diseases affect which species of tree is important—and your lawn care service will be equipped with such knowledge.
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