Colorado State Forest Service says late winter or early spring is the best time to prune most trees.
Trees are still dormant at this time of year and, unlike in early winter, wound closure will happen sooner if pruning occurs just before the time new growth emerges. Once leaf and flower buds start to expand, pruning should wait until the leaves are fully extended.
The Forest Service offers these tree pruning tips:
Know the goal before pruning. Don’t remove living branches without reason.Remove any torn, dead or broken branches.For shade trees, develop or maintain one dominant vertical top stem, and don’t cut off the tops of trees.Create adequate spacing of the main branches along the trunk.Always prune just outside the branch collar.Limit pruning of newly planted trees to the removal of dead, damaged or crossing limbs, or those interfering with the main stem, until established.Avoid removing too many branches in any one year.Recycle pruned limbs into mulch.If a job requires running a chainsaw over your head or removing large branches or entire trees, the Forest Service recommends contacting an insured arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. A list of these professionals can be found at www.isa-arbor.com.
For more information about tree care, visit csfs.colostate.edu.
