Ask an Arborist: Why Do I Need to Prune?

This is part one of a  three-part dormant season pruning series. Watch part two, what are the rules of pruning to learn the 5 rules for form and function and part three, The ABC’s of Pruning.

Tree pruning, trimming, or cutting is an ongoing process throughout the life of your tree. After selecting the right tree and carefully planting it, early pruning is the most important thing you can do for a young tree.

Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice.  It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring. It is usually best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed.

Proper pruning will save you money and give you a safer more beautiful, healthier, and easier-to-maintain tree. Remember what you do to your tree in its first few years of life will affect its shape, strength, and even its life span. If we focus our pruning efforts strategically – with the right tools – we can develop long-lived urban trees!

If we focus our pruning efforts strategically – with the right tools – we can develop long-lived urban trees. For  more pruning resources visit treesaregood.org or University of Florida IFAS Extension. Have a tree-care question you want one of our certified arborists to answer? Tweet @arborday with #AskAnArborist and to answer your question in an upcoming video.

Read Arborist Advice: Why Should You Prune Your Trees During the Dormant Season?