However, because some trees can ooze sap when pruned in the winter, you're better off waiting until the summer to prune maples, birches, dogwoods, walnuts, and elm trees. No matter what type of pruning tools you decide to use, make sure you keep them clean. If you've cut out diseased branches, make sure you clean the tools thoroughly before moving on to another tree, to avoid spreading disease.
Johnson says you can disinfect the tools by using just a teaspoon or two of bleach in warm water. Hot, soapy water also kills most germs. Remember to dry tools well after washing, too. And if you can't trim from the ground using pole pruners, or if there's any pruning to be done near power lines, make sure you hire a professional instead of climbing high and taking on the dangerous task yourself.
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Related Story. LianeM Getty Images. Leah Zerbe Leah Zerbe is an online editor for Rodale News , where she covers the food system and environmental health issues. Residential Commercial Municipal. Fall Pruning: A Common Mistake. The best advice: don't prune in the fall. What about my plants? Stick to raking and mulching this fall.
Water your trees Watering your trees in the fall helps them prepare for the winter. Prune in the spring When it is time to prune, remember these pruning basics. Never prune when it is damp or wet out. The dampness can encourage bacteria to grow.
Make sure to cut between sickly branches and the body of the tree. Keep your t clean to prevent spreading diseases. An ideal condition is a dry, sunny situation where the cut is clean and the wound can heal correctly.
Any major pruning that you might be considering should be done in late winter-early spring when the wound will heal faster. However, there is one exception to the rule of thumb on pruning during the fall. You can prune any dead, diseased and damaged wood including anything on the property, like a big branch over the roof that might be hazardous to you or your home.
You can also consider amending the soils so that it is in tip-top shape come spring. Additionally, spring bloomers can be pruned after they have finished flowering. You should also prune when branches are rubbing or crossing each other, cutting the smaller of the two off.
Taking off low hanging branches that interfere with foot traffic or lawnmowers is perfectly acceptable as with any branch that might be growing vertically. Always try to cut back to the main stem or body of the plant.
What goes around comes around once again and pruning properly during the correct time of year will produce a healthier and more robust plant for the next season. Read some more gardening tips in our gardening blog category.
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