Get Your Trees in Tip-Top Shape: The Best Time to Prune in Texas

As a professional arborist, I often get asked about the best time to prune trees. The answer can be complicated, as different types of trees and shrubs require pruning at different times of the year, but trees with dead or dying branches can be trimmed at any time.

In this Viva Tip, I’ll give you a detailed, simplified overview of everything you need to know about when the best time is to prune, explicitly focusing on the situation and types of trees found in Texas.

The health and growth of trees depend on how they are pruned, and timing is critical to getting the best results.

When to Prune Based on Tree Type:

Deciduous Trees:

• The best time to prune deciduous trees, such as oak, maple, and elm, is during the late winter to early spring months while the tree is still dormant.
• Pruning during this time allows the tree to heal before the growing season begins. By pruning too late in the season, you risk causing new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter, making it more susceptible to cold damage.

Coniferous Trees:

• On the other hand, the best time to prune coniferous trees, such as pine, spruce, and fir, is during the late spring to early summer months, after the tree has finished producing new growth.
• This is because pruning during this time allows the tree to focus on growing new needles rather than healing wounds. If you prune too early in the season, you risk removing new growth that the tree has worked hard to produce.

Spring Flowering Trees & Shrubs:

• On the other hand, The best time to prune spring-flowering trees such as azalea, rhododendron, and mountain laurel is immediately after they have finished flowering. This is typically in late spring or early summer.
• This is because these trees set their flower buds for the following year during summer. If you prune them too late in the season, you risk removing next year’s flower buds. By pruning immediately after flowering, you can ensure the tree has enough time to set new flower buds for the following year.

It’s important to note that these trees should only be lightly pruned, as they are prone to damage and may not recover well from heavy pruning. It’s generally best to remove only dead, diseased, or damaged branches and avoid removing more than 20-25% of the canopy in any given year.

When to Prune Based on Tree Condition:

Trees with Dead or Diseased Branches:

• If your tree has dead or dying branches, removing them as soon as possible is crucial. These branches can harbor pests and diseases that can spread to the rest of the tree, so removing them is essential for the tree’s overall health.
• Dead or dying branches can be trimmed anytime, as they no longer contribute to the tree’s growth and health.

Other Considerations:

• It’s important to avoid pruning your tree during times of stress, such as during a drought or extreme heat, or cold. Trees are already under enough pressure during these times, and pruning can add even more stress to the tree.
• If you need help pruning your tree correctly, hiring a certified arborist is always a good idea. These professionals have the knowledge and expertise to safely and effectively prune your tree, ensuring it stays healthy and grows to its full potential.

Trees provide many benefits that impact the environment, so avoiding common pruning mistakes is essential to ensuring that your tree gets the best possible care. 

Tips for Successful Pruning:

• Use sharp, clean pruning tools to make clean cuts. Blunt or dirty tools can tear the bark and create jagged wounds more prone to disease and pests.
• Make cuts at a slight angle, just above a bud or branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk). This helps to encourage new growth and minimize the risk of disease.
• Remove branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing over each other. These branches can damage each other and weaken the tree’s overall structure.
• Avoid over-pruning, as this can cause stress to the tree and weaken its structure. A good rule of thumb is to remove at most 25% of the canopy in any given year.
• If you need to remove a large branch, use the three-cut method pioneered by Dr. Alex Shigo, a renowned plant pathologist considered the father of modern Arboriculture.
  1. Make a small cut on the underside of the branch about 6-12 inches from the trunk. This method helps to prevent the bark from tearing when you make the final cut.
  2. Make a second cut about 2-4 inches farther out on the branch. This cut will remove most of the branch’s weight, making it easier to control when you make the final cut.
  3. Cut the branch off at the collar, removing the stub. This procedure helps to minimize the risk of disease and encourages new growth.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid:

• Topping the tree (cutting the top off the tree) is a common mistake people make when trying to control the size of their tree. However, topping a tree can weaken it and make it more prone to pests and diseases. Instead, consider selectively pruning branches to maintain the desired shape and size.
• Lion’s tailing, or removing all of the foliage from the ends of branches, can also weaken a tree and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Instead, consider removing only a few branches at a time to maintain the tree’s natural shape.
• Target pruning, or removing branches in a specific pattern to achieve a particular shape, can also damage a tree. Trees grow best when allowed to maintain their natural form, so it’s essential to be selective when pruning and avoid removing too many branches at once.
• Shearing the tree, or cutting all branches to a uniform length, is another common mistake that can weaken the tree and hinder its growth. Instead, allow the tree to maintain its natural shape and remove only the necessary branches.

Additional Resources:

• If you still need to figure out when and how to prune your tree, consider contacting one of our arborists or tree care professionals for more information. We can guide you on the best time to prune specific tree species in your area.
• The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is an excellent resource for everything tree-related, including information on certified arborists who can provide professional pruning services. They also have resources and guidelines for proper tree care and pruning techniques.

In conclusion, proper pruning is essential for the health and growth of trees, and timing is critical to ensuring the best possible results.

Following the guidelines outlined above and consulting with a certified arborist, you can help your trees thrive and remain a beautiful, functional part of your landscape. Remember, a healthy tree is happy, so take the time to properly care for them to ensure they stay healthy for years.