Tree Pruning Essentials: When and How to Prune Your Trees for Optimal Health and Growth

Proper tree pruning can boost curb appeal, prevent overgrowth, and help trees flourish. Healthy trees are less likely to become eyesores and present safety risks from falling branches. The key to healthy trees is pruning at the right intervals using the correct techniques. Here are some best practices for tree pruning in Dallas.

When to Prune Trees in Dallas

Image via Flickr by Mike Overall

The best time to prune depends on the tree species and the desired outcomes. Dead or damaged limbs can — and should — receive pruning at any time. For many species, the end of winter or the beginning of spring is ideal because new, healthy growth occurs quickly during this time. Wait to prune blooming trees until after they flower to prevent removing buds. Here are some pruning tips for common Dallas tree species:

• Crape myrtle: Winter is the best season to prune these trees. Fall pruning results in more spring blossoms, while late spring pruning reduces the next year’s flower numbers. Never top these trees off.
• Elm: Prune in fall and winter.
• Fruit trees: Prune to control their growth and shape in winter and for fruit production in early spring.
• Maple: Prune in mid- to late summer, after new buds have developed, and avoid late winter or early spring pruning, which can cause the trees to “bleed” sap.
• Oak: Prune in fall and winter, avoiding February to June, which is oak wilt season.

For most trees, fall and winter, when they’re dormant, are the ideal seasons for pruning.

Essential Pruning Tools

Simple pruning tasks typically require the following tools:

• Hand pruners for thin branches no wider than a half inch.
• Lopping shears for branches up to 2 inches thick.
• Hedge shears for shaping.
• A pruning saw for large branches.
• Head and eye protection.

Property owners should disinfect their tool blades after each use to prevent disease spread and insect infestation. Store them in a dry place.

Tree Pruning Tips and Techniques

The first step when pruning is determining which trees and branches to trim. The following tips help make the process safe and effective:

• Prune only smaller branches that are reachable from the ground.
• Remove all dead, broken, or diseased branches.
• Remove stems that compete with the main branches.
• Remove limbs that touch or cross.
• When removing a branch, cut its stump close to, but not flush with, the trunk and at an angle. Make the cut clean and smooth so it heals quickly.
• Avoid excessive pruning, which may decrease the tree’s food production and leave it vulnerable to sunscald and disfiguration.
• Avoid pursuing major pruning jobs more appropriate for skilled professionals with the proper training, equipment, and insurance.

Property owners should inspect their trees regularly, looking for signs of unhealthy or structurally unsound branches. Extremely thick foliage might require pruning to allow more sunlight and air to reach those areas.

Pruning is important for tree health, controlling overgrowth, and encouraging healthy foliage and stem growth. When done correctly, trees and their flowers and fruits will flourish. If you need Dallas tree trimming help, contact our team of certified arborists at TreeNewal.