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Would it be good to have Sprigs & Twigs prune my trees now or should I call you in the spring?

Answer

Although most trees can be pruned any time of year, the best time to prune is now when trees are dormant (especially Apple and Pear trees). The absolute worst time to prune is in the spring just after a tree leafs-out.

There are lots of good reasons to prune now.

1. In the winter the chance of bacterial and fungal diseases or insect damage is much lower and it's easier for a tree to recover from pruning.

2. When a tree's leaves are gone, it is easier for the arborist to see flaws, rubbing branches, overall growth patterns and the tree's structure.

3. When the ground is frozen, bucket trucks and equipment access is much easier.

4. This is the perfect time for Apple and Pear tree pruning because the chilling requirements for these trees have been met. The trees have been at a temperature below 45 degrees for at least a month so that they have sufficiently transferred their energy stores down into their roots; basically these trees need to be fully dormant for pruning.

5. Tree crews generally have a smaller backlog in the wintertime, so your job can get done quicker than other times of the year

When it comes to pruning, trimming or bracing, only use a company with an Arborist licensed by CT DEEP - its Connecticut State law. Ask to see the license; make sure it's issued by CT DEEP. There is a great deal of damage being done by tree companies who claim to be knowledgeable but aren't. Trees damaged by incorrect pruning may never recover structurally and often die many years before their time. Sprigs & Twigs has a licensed arborist, fully trained staff and top quality equipment, call us for any tree needs or any questions you have.

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About Linda Lillie

Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.

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