Winter brings more than just the holidays. It is also the perfect time to prune trees, ornamental grasses, and shrubs. Pruning is both an art and a science because it improves the health of your garden while also beautifying it.

So, what is winter pruning? Pruning, according to experts, is more than just cutting down branches or making a tree smaller. It is the art of preserving nature by strengthening it and making it more appealing. Doing it during the winter is much more convenient and beneficial to you and your garden trees. If you’re concerned about pruning plants the correct way, here are some useful tips to keep your trees and shrubs healthy.

Encourage New Growth by Pruning

Flowers grow abundantly when pruned the right way

When pruning trees in your garden, you want to ensure the frame is still visible before the onset of new growth. It’s also a good idea to remove any dead wood because they’re one of the leading causes of unhealthy plants. Does winter pruning encourage growth? The answer is definitely yes. Pruning trees while they are actively growing can cause stress and stimulate additional growth. However, trees and other plants go dormant during the winter season, so it’s the perfect time to prune them to promote growth in spring.

To maximize fruit production, most fruit trees should be pruned in the winter. Trees are said to be resting during this season, and their leaves fall off, allowing you to see their structure more clearly. Winter pruning fruit trees is very common and can be done on many different types of fruiting plants to encourage fruiting spurs.

Avoid Pest and Disease Exposure

A tar spot on a leaf indicates that the tree might be sick

When you prune trees while they are actively growing, you expose them to a variety of pests and diseases, such as oak wilt, cedar rusts, and fungal disease. To avoid getting a sick plant in your garden, experts usually recommend trimming your trees during the cold season. Winter pruning is the best option because, just like trees, the most harmful diseases are dormant at this time.

Trim at the Appropriate Time

Extreme cold can be harmful to your plants

While winter tree trimming is a great idea, keep in mind that it should never be done too early in the season. Many gardeners often ask, “When to do winter pruning?” The best time to do winter pruning is during late winter or early spring with the exception of early spring bloomers. Always cut the dead branches caused by snow and ice first, and make sure there are no buds on them.

Knowing what plants to prune in winter is also crucial to preserving all of the plants and trees in your garden. There are numerous methods for caring for various plants in the garden, and being knowledgeable about them will provide you with the best plants to prune when the temperature drops.

Make Use of Proper Tools and Equipment

Always use the proper equipment when trimming trees

If you protect your trees and shrubs with plastic tree guards or white commercial tree wraps during the winter, you’re doing a fantastic job. Snow and ice are harmful to almost all plants, but they can also be beneficial by performing winter trimming. Always place safety first. As long as you use these proper tools, equipment, and techniques, you can never go wrong when it comes to pruning your trees during winter.

  • Use the proper size gloves. Check that it perfectly fits your hands.
  • Do not use a crooked or damaged ladder. Always climb using two hands and one foot.
  • Protect your eyes by wearing goggles. This prevents you from getting plant sap in your eyes.
  • Before using a chainsaw, read the instruction manual thoroughly. You can also contact a professional, such as an arborist, to teach you how to use a chainsaw properly.
  • If you are sensitive to debris and sawdust, it is best to wear a face mask to avoid inhaling it.

Never over-prune your trees, as this can cause them to die over time. Some trees that cannot be saved are often removed by experts, but you can avoid this by pruning correctly and using the proper methods.

Prune the Right Limbs

Tree branch trimming is an essential part of a tree’s growth

Pruning the trees and shrubs in your garden is one of the best winter projects you can do. When it comes to creating a beautiful landscape, shrub pruning is essential. They grow quickly and require a routine to keep their appearance. However, it can be challenging to decide which branches to trim. Here are some suggestions for which branches to prune in order to give your plants a more lofty appearance while also keeping them healthy:

  • Dying limbs: Although it may appear to be a waste of a beautiful tree, dead or dying limbs can cause the entire tree to decay. It may also serve as a path for diseases and pests, and it may fall off, causing bigger problems.
  • Achieving the correct branch height: The lower branches of most hardwood trees must be removed for the tree to be properly structured. Always seek the advice of a professional when it comes to the age of the trees in your garden, as this is the most critical aspect of stem development and growth.
  • Multiple stems: When it comes to stems, there should only be one central leader. Check that it is the strongest, straightest, and has a vertical direction.
  • Crossing limbs: Trim any branches that are rubbing or crossing each other to ensure the canopy is well protected.

If you need tree care assistance, make sure the expert you choose offers a wide range of services. Dave Lund Tree Service & Forestry is fully insured and has a vast amount of experience when it comes to tree care. We offer tree pruning, pest control, shrub and hedge care, and so much more. To help you maintain a beautiful garden, we use the best products, tools, and techniques. Call us today at (905) 884-0511 for more information.