Dormant Pruning of Trees by Brad Hatfield

It's getting to be that time of year again. The perfect time for pruning trees.
Late Fall/Winter or dormant pruning is important for several reasons.
First and foremost, there are no active pathogens at this time of year-no active diseases
to infect wood, branches or leaves.
There are also no active insects that might otherwise be attracted to fresh pruning cuts,
particularly bark beetles (Nitidulid) that might be attracted to Oak trees and a known vector of
the Oak Wilt fungus. This is a great, safe time to prune Oaks, particularly in areas where Oak Wilt has
been an issue.
American Elm trees should also be pruned this time of year, when there are no bark beetles that would be attracted to fresh pruning cuts-these are the beetles transmitting the Dutch Elm disease fungus.

The nice thing about dormant pruning is the lack of leaves-every part of the tree is visible this
time of year, without thousands of leaves blocking the light.
Individual limbs, points of attachment, any cracks/splits on individual limbs or between tree stems-everything is much easier to see.

Pruning-We need to be careful when pruning-every pruning cut is an injury to the tree, we must
make pruning cuts at branch collars or to an adjacent lateral limb 1/3 in size or greater.
When in doubt, hire a Certified Arborist-they can tell you exactly what your tree or trees need and  what they don't need.
Less is more in pruning. Branches and leaves are a "food" source for the tree, be careful that you
are doing selective pruning-have a plan so the minimum of foliage is removed.
Here in the Midwest, there is a tremendous amount of overpruning occurring.
People equate the amount of foliage removed with a good pruning job-this is not a haircut!

Remove 2 inch sized deadwood and larger, lightly thin inner canopy-selectively!
Prune back from roof, house, wires....etc. Consider pruning limbs back instead of complete removal.
Once that limbs is cut and removed, there is no putting it back on.

I cannot stress enough the importance of hiring professionals-you always get what you pay for.

Here is a photo I like that explains some of the basic concepts of pruning.