When to prune shade trees, general (structural)
Late winter, while dormant (before buds break). In the dormant season you can see the branch structure. Wounds close quickly when spring growth starts, and insects and diseases are inactive.
| Type | tree |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | n/a |
| Bloom season | n/a |
| When to prune | Late winter, while dormant (before buds break) |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Removing more than about a quarter of the canopy in a year; flush cuts; topping.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | Jan 13–Feb 24 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | Jan 27–Mar 10 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | Feb 4–Mar 18 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | Feb 13–Mar 27 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | Mar 5–Apr 16 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | Jan 16–Feb 27 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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Sources
- University of Minnesota Extension: Pruning trees and shrubs
- University of Georgia Extension: B961: Pruning Ornamental Plants in the Landscape
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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