Determining the perfect time to prune trees can be quite perplexing, but fear not – Tony and his team of professional Sydney arborists has you covered! Pruning during the dormant season, preferably mid to late winter, yields the best results. This approach stimulates new growth as the weather warms, and the absence of leaves makes identifying branches in need of removal a breeze.
Pruning Throughout the Seasons
While winter pruning is generally advantageous, be cautious with certain trees like maple. They may bleed sap when pruned during late winter, though the sap flow halts once the leaves begin to emerge, posing no harm to the tree.
Now, as an avid gardener, I prefer devising my pruning strategy in autumn, but I exercise patience before taking action. Fall pruning carries the risk of introducing disease, and in warmer falls, it can prompt new growth that might get damaged when temperatures plummet.
When the warmth of summer arrives, pruning may not be the first option that comes to mind, but it can prove beneficial if executed with care. Skilled gardeners employ summer pruning to control growth and regulate a tree or branch’s development. The prime time for this technique is just after the seasonal growth peaks. Removing the total leaf surface reduces nutrient flow to the roots and curbs overall tree growth.
Some of Our Favourite Flowering Trees
Now, let’s delve into the intriguing realm of flowering trees, where the rules seem to shift. Flowering trees fall into two distinct categories: early bloomers and late bloomers.
Early blooming trees set buds on the growth from the previous year. If you prune them during winter, their blossoms will be withheld. Instead, the right moment to prune is right after their bloom cycle concludes. Here are some early blooming tree examples:
Apricot
Chokecherry
Ornamental Cherry
Flowering Plum
Magnolia
Trees to Prune in Early Spring
On the other hand, late blooming trees form buds on the current year’s new growth. To ensure a splendid bloom, prune these trees in early spring. Take note of these late blooming tree examples:
Catalpa
Dogwood
American smoke tree
Hawthorn
Japanese tree lilac
Remember, mastering the art of pruning may seem predictable, but embracing the nuances and applying the right approach will elevate your gardening prowess to new heights! Happy pruning!