I receive a number of questions every fall about tree pruning. In general, my rule of thumb is to avoid fall pruning altogether unless you’re removing dead wood. Pruning will differ from plant to plant and will depend largely on the climate in your area. Here are a few general rules, however, that can be applied *most* of the time.
Use the Right Tool for the Job
The tool you choose to prune with can make a huge difference in the end result. You’re also more likely to enjoy yourself and get less frustrated.
Hand Pruners: cutting soft-tissue and young wood on trees less than 2.5 cm in diameter (depending on the cutting capacity).Use pruners when the job is small; don’t over-exert your pruners as you’ll either break the pruner or hurt yourself, not to mention create unclean cuts that may not heal well.
Loppers: When the job is a bit bigger and hand pruners just won’t cut it, the lopper comes to the rescue (often enough). Most loppers will allow cuts up to 5cm and you’ll be doing yourself a favour by getting a telescopic pair. The added length makes larger cuts smooth and easy.
Shears: Shears have long blades but you wouldn’t use them to cut off dead branches or shape a tree; a pair of shears will go a long way, however, where your shrubs are concerned. Shaping and removing dead wood is simple and efficient thanks to the blade length. Again, go with a telescopic pair if you can.
Bow Saw: For the larger jobs that are too big for a pair of loppers, get yourself a bow saw. Almost any sized branch can be removed using this tool and while it is a bit more labour intensive, you’ll save yourself some time and energy by keeping the blade sharp.
Why You Shouldn’t Prune Trees Now
Gardeners like to be busy in the garden: it’s just the way we are. Now is the time to putter around cleaning up bits of the garden that are finished for the year (within reason – remember, you want to encourage the good bugs to stick around). Now is not the time to prune your apple and plum trees and there are a number of reasons that well-educated folks have come up with:
1. Fall is when bacteria and fungal spores thrive. Cutting into the tree creates a “wound” of sorts and by pruning now, you’re exposing the area unnecessarily.
2. Winter is coming. As much as we try to deny it, it will happen. By pruning now, you’re not giving the tree enough time to heal before the cold temperatures set in for the long haul.
3. Many trees set buds in the fall. By pruning now, you’re removing the flowering potential come spring.
Do a little research on your tree before you start cutting away. Like I said, each tree (and plant) is different. Sometimes you can get away with fall pruning but most often it’s better to wait until the tree has gone dormant.