Arborist Recommendation: Prune Trees During Dormant Season

Posted by Mary on November 23rd, 2020

The perfect time for pruning in Fort Worth is when trees enter the dormancy period. Pruning during dormant season primes the plants for the upcoming spring and summer. Failure in taking extra measures to care for your trees can result in permanent damage to trees and your home’s overall landscape. 

Why is it necessary to prune trees?

Pruned trees are less likely to suffer from insect attacks. Tree pruning also gives trees an attractive and proper structure. Pruning branches from trees and shrubs also facilitates speedy growth. Our skilled arborist in Fort Worth will typically recommend beginning pruning while trees are young so that they won’t need corrective pruning over time. Lastly, pruning is an effective measure to protect your property and establish safety for pedestrians.

Why should you consider dormant pruning?

In the earlier decades, pruning was referred to as tree surgery. Before a tree undergoes “surgery,” you need to make sure that it is in its best possible condition to reduce post-surgery problems while speeding up its recovery time. While dead and broken branches may be removed at any time of the year, pruning live tree branches is best implemented during dormancy as they are at their strongest. They can protect open cuts from disease, pest infestation, and decaying organisms. 

What are the benefits of tree pruning during dormancy in Fort Worth?

• BETTER VISIBILITY – During the dormant season in Fort Worth, foliage is not a problem. A skilled arborist has a more unobstructed view of the branches that need to be removed. It is also easier for arborists to perform structural pruning and precision cutting. 
  
  
• LESS INVASIVE – During colder months in Fort Worth, there are not many outdoor activities that arborists need to worry about; hence they can work on pruning trees without delay. There is also less impact to your property when pruning during the dormant season. 
  
  
• DISEASE CONTROL – Pruning during the dormant season protects trees from pests that carry bacteria and fungi, resulting in tree diseases. Specific tree species such as oaks should only be pruned during the dormant season as they are more likely to suffer from oak wilt disease, a condition that spreads fast during spring and summer seasons in Fort Worth. 
  
  
• SPEEDY HEALING – Pruning mainly involves wounding trees. It's best to implement pruning for trees to heal and recover fast when they are at rest. Also, pruning dormant trees allows for a more robust growth come springtime in Fort Worth.  
  
  
• PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS – The absence of foliage during the dormant season makes it easier for arborists to assess a tree’s readiness in severe weather conditions. Pruning vulnerable and weak branches further enhance a tree’s structural strength, especially during heavy rains, snowfall, and high winds. 
  
  
• BENEFICIAL TO OVERALL LANDSCAPE – Intentional pruning during dormant season opens up a canopy tree, which means the grass and smaller plants on your landscape receive healthy amounts of sunlight, too. 

It’s always best to seek the expertise of a reliable arborist to assess your exact pruning needs. Trees Hurt Too Inc. has a team of skilled arborists in Fort Worth who can help you in the careful and thoughtful maintenance of trees and shrubs. Call their hotline for a consultation today.

Source: https://www.heatbud.com/post/health-arborist-recommendation-prune-trees-during-dormant-season