We get asked all the time if we work during the winter months. It’s a common misconception that tree maintenance cannot be done during the winter months, or that tree care companies don’t operate during this time of the year. The reality is that winter is a great time for pruning. In fact, some major pruning work should only be done during the winter, such as pruning fruit trees to maximize fruit production.
During winter, trees and shrubs enter a dormant state. Leaves fall off deciduous plants and trees take a “rest” until warmer spring temperatures trigger new growth. Pruning during dormancy has several benefits, both for your trees and for you.
5 REASONS WHY DORMANT PRUNING IS GOOD FOR YOUR TREES
1. IT’S EASIER TO EVALUATE TREE STRUCTURE IN WINTER
After the leaves have dropped in the fall, it’s easier to see the structure of your trees and identify dead or dangerous branches. This lets us evaluate whether or not pruning is needed to keep your trees safe and healthy.
If you’re unsure whether or not your tree would benefit from pruning, winter is a great time to call Basin Family Tree Care, LLC for a free tree inspection.
2. YOUR TREE WILL LOOK BETTER IN SPRING
Late winter is a great time to prune, contain, or rejuvenate overgrown shrubs and trees. Any branches cut back during the winter will be able to recover quickly in spring with new growth. Pruning dead or dying branches in the winter will allow your tree to focus its energy on new growth in the spring rather than putting its energy in trying to save a dying branch.
3. DORMANT PRUNING AVOIDS SPREADING DISEASE
Winter pruning can also avoid spreading some serious diseases that are active and spread easily during the spring and summer growing seasons. During winter, the bacteria, fungi, parasites, and insects that cause and/or spread disease are either dead or dormant. As a result, diseases are less likely to be transmitted by winter pruning. This is a great time to prune trees that are more prone and vulnerable to diseases.
4. PRUNING IN WINTER CAUSES LESS STRESS
Because the tree is dormant, winter pruning doesn’t stimulate new growth. In contrast, any pruning done just before dormancy can be killed by cold weather, damaging and disfiguring the tree. Research shows that pruning before buds open in spring leads to “optimum wound closure.” Trees are able to heal from pruning cuts before warmer weather brings out destructive insects and pathogens that lead to diseases.
5. DORMANT PRUNING PREVENTS WINTER DAMAGE
Damaged, dead or dying trees can be dangerous in winter, particularly when we get high winds and heavy snow. Dormant pruning makes them safer and can also rejuvenate weaker trees by removing dead and diseased wood.
Winter is a great time for Dormant pruning, Call (541) 851-9080 today to schedule your FREE estimate. We are now offering a $100 discount for all winter pruning scheduled between November and February! Call now, our schedule is filling up fast!