by Mary Ann Mcgivern

Created on: July 06, 2008   Last Updated: July 13, 2010

Pay attention to your trees. They have their own rhythms of growth, bloom dormancy and susceptibility to disease. Look at them and plan their shape.

FRUIT TREES

Fruit trees want pruning in the very early spring, before their buds swell and their sap flows, while bugs, fungi and viruses are still in hibernation. When the branches begin to turn a reddish color, just at the moment the tree is waking up, it’s time to cut. Prune the apricots first because they will be the first to bloom. Then the cherries, plums , peaches and pears, and last the apples, because they will be the last to blossom.

In temperate climates, where there is no freeze, prune the almonds, pecans, citrus and avocados after harvest.

ORNAMENTALS

Lilacs, on the other hand, should be pruned immediately after blooming, in late spring. During the summer they set their buds for the coming year. If you prune too late, you will remove the flower buds and there will be no lilacs next spring. The same goes for spirea, also known as bridal wreath, dogwood, rhododendron and ornamentals like the Bradford pear that does not bear fruit.

DECIDUOUS TREES

Late autumn, after leaf drop, when the tree is shutting down, is a good pruning time for the big shade trees that line the streets and stand in yards. That's the time to cut the big branch that's grown over a corner of the house and the low branches that threaten pedestrians.

Oaks in particular should be pruned in late fall and winter, during dormancy to protect against blight. Never trim an oak in spring or summer.

FIR TREES

In the spring clip fir tree branches where pine cones and berries are forming to shape the trees and control their growth. Larger pruning tasks can be done in fall and winter.

SAPLINGS

When you plant a tree, be it spring or fall, prune it. Shape it now to shape its future.

EMERGENCIES

If a tree is injured, prune it right away to protect it from disease. Saw off the branch above the break. Slant your cut to make it harder for pests to find purchase. Cut cleanly. Saw from the bottom up to avoid tearing the bark

However, if the reason for pruning is an infestation of beetles or some other blight, get help right away from your local gardening center so that you don't spread the infestation.

CONTEMPLATE THE TREE

To plant a tree is to believe in the future. Your tree will live a long time, so imagine how it will grow and where it will stretch its limbs. Protect your trees with judicious, timely intervention.

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