When Should I Prune and Trim My Trees in Edmonton
Pruning your trees annually can help with disease prevention and improve the overall health of the trees in your backyard. Many people in Edmonton ask: When should I prune my trees? The answer isn’t as simple as one time of year, and specific times are best for each type of tree. So, let’s break down the five most common types you’re likely to find in your Edmonton yard.
- Elm Trees
- Ash Trees
- Maple Trees
- Apple Trees
- Birch Trees
Learn more about tree pruning from our article: Can I Prune My Tree Myself, or Should I Hire an Arborist?
When Should I Prune Elm Trees
Dutch Elm Disease, or DED, is a fungus affecting all types of Alberta Elm trees. It is imperative to follow specific pruning guidelines to avoid catching or spreading this deadly disease. In April-September, you want to refrain from trimming, as this is when DED-spreading beetles can be at their worst. Before April or after September, you should remove any unhealthy or dead portions of your Elm, which will help remove the breeding grounds for infected beetles. However, suppose you see any yellow or wilted leaves near the top of your Elm Tree, regardless of the time of year. In that case, you should remove those branches immediately, as they most likely suffer from DED.
Best time to trim Elm Trees: Not between April-September
Learn more with our guide to Common Tree Diseases in Edmonton
When Should I Prune Apple Trees
While many trees have specific seasons best for pruning, your Apple Tree can benefit at different times of the year. If you choose to prune your Apple Tree during the summer, this can help it produce more fruit! Trimming it back will encourage its growth and result in more apples, but be sure only to do a light trim, as over-pruning can be harmful. Once the growing season is over, it can also be an excellent time for a clean-up. It will prevent weak or dying branches from breaking over the winter months and can help strengthen your tree for a great growing season next year. It is important to trim back any small or weak branches that won’t be strong enough to hold the weight of the apples and cause breakage. Winter is an excellent time for any more significant pruning as it will cause minimal stress to your Apple Tree.
Best time to trim Apple Trees: Year-Round selective trimming
When Should I Prune Birch Trees
When it comes to Birch Trees, it is best to prune them in the summer or early fall. Avoid trimming them all together when they are coming out of their dormant season, as they will have a heavy sap flow during this time. Your Birch Tree can grow quite large, so it’s essential to keep it trimmed to avoid any hazardous branches from falling.
Best time to trim Birch Trees: Summer or early fall
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the trees in your backyard is extremely important to ensure they’re healthy and happy and continue growing big and strong! Pruning can help your tree avoid disease, and removing damaged branches can prevent harm to your or your neighbour’s property. It’s essential to prune your trees at the ideal time for their species, as each type of tree has specific needs. Reaching out to a certified Arborist at Arbor Man Tree Care will ensure proper care and pruning of your trees!
