Email update from Missouri Department of Conservation…

With winter well underway, it is time to prune shade trees. Proper pruning promotes overall tree health, improves the appearance of trees, and protects people and property by removing hazardous branches. Cold winter temperatures create ideal conditions for pruning, as trees are dormant and sap is currently located in root systems. Pruning during the dormant season also helps trees callus over wounds more quickly by taking advantage of early spring growth.

While pruning is an important tree maintenance tool, improper pruning can create permanent damage or even shorten a tree’s lifespan. Review these pruning tips before making any cuts:

• Small cuts are less damaging than large cuts. Pruning young trees to develop a desirable form and structure can save the tree from large, complicated cuts in the future.

• Wait to prune young trees until they are established—generally 2-3 years after planting.

• Avoid removing more than 25% of the crown especially on mature trees.

• Make pruning cuts just past the branch collar, which is a zone of specialized cells around the base of a branch. These cells divide rapidly to form wound wood over pruning cuts. Cutting flush with the trunk damages and removes these specialized cells, impairing wound closure.

• Avoid using tree wound dressings and sprays unless you are pruning a red oak group species in mid-March through June (see our Oak Wilt Alert for more information).

• Hand pruners are ideal for small branches. Cuts larger than a half inch in diameter can be cut with lopping shears or pruning saws.

• Wear protective gear and use safe practices when cutting larger branches. Never use a chain saw to reach above your shoulders or when on a ladder.

Contact a certified arborist for large, difficult pruning tasks. You can find a list of certified arborists in your area at https://www.treesaregood.org.

Prior to making pruning cuts, review recommendations for proper pruning techniques and plan your cuts ahead of time. (A) Target pruning cuts for just past the branch collar. (B) For small branches, pruning cuts can be made with handheld pruning shears. (C) For larger branches, a pruning saw should be used to make a series of pruning cuts. 

Image courtesy of USDA Forest Service "How to Prune Trees", publication NA-FR-01-95.

Forest Health Program
Missouri Department of Conservation
To contact your local forester, see the local contact box at http://mdc.mo.gov

___________________________________________________________________________

Printable file of Basic Pruning Guidelines from Missouri Department of conservation:
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/basicPruning.pdf

More Tree Care information from MDC:
https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care