When to prune maples, birches, walnut ('bleeders')
Early summer after leaves are full (or late winter, accepting sap flow). Late-winter cuts weep sap. It's unsightly but usually harmless. Summer pruning avoids it. Birch: avoid spring pruning in bronze birch borer areas.
| Type | tree |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | n/a |
| Bloom season | n/a |
| When to prune | Early summer after leaves are full (or late winter, accepting sap flow) |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Birch: May–August flight season of bronze birch borer in the North.
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Sources
- University of Minnesota Extension: Pruning trees and shrubs
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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