When to Prune

The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring just before the beginning of active growth. If large blocks of trees are to be pruned, time it so that you finish just before bud break. It will not harm trees if sap is beginning to flow at the time you prune. The main reasons you should prune during the late dormant period are:

1. Wounds heal quickly when growth starts.
2. Undesirable branches and other wood to be pruned can be easily seen since there are no leaves on the tree.
3. The bark is less likely to tear when cuts are made.
4. Trees pruned in early winter may be damaged by low winter temperatures that occur after pruning.

Summer pruning may also be used to control growth of young trees, improve light quality in the fruiting z o n e, thin heavy fruit loads or remove water sprouts and other undesirable wood.