Winter 2021

The science of preserving nature since 1964

Winter Pruning Can Benefit Your Trees and Save You Money

During the winter months, deciduous trees and plants go dormant, lose their leaves, and stop growing above ground. This time of season can be a very good time for pruning many species of trees and plants. There are several reasons for this:

 

If offers a Clear View of the Tree's Structure

In winter, without leaves, trees give us a much better view of their structure. We get a clear picture of the entire tree, allowing us to identify weak, cracked and crossing branches as well as dead wood. It is the ideal time to uncover and address the structural flaws that can eventually lead to branch or tree failures.

 

It is Less Stressful for Your Trees

Pruning during the active growing season can cause stress and stimulate additional growth and sap run — and with certain species, like elms, attract insects that can vector disease. Winter is a good time to prune certain species of trees for this reason. With extra energy reserves in store, trees are able to heal more quickly and seal off pruning cuts as Spring rolls around. Talk to your arborist about which trees on your property may benefit from winter pruning.

 

It Limits Exposure to Pests and Diseases

Many of the pests and diseases that can often infect trees via pruning cuts are also dormant during the winter months. Diseases such as Dutch Elm Disease, Oak Wilt, Cedar Hawthorn Rust, and Fire Blight all spread quickly during the growing season and are dormant in winter.

 

Winter Storms can be Dangerous Pruners

High winds and wet snow put tremendous strain on branches. Broken branches should be professionally pruned so that the cut can be in the right place to promote the natural healing process that trees employ. We recommend that you identify and remove dead or cracked branches before winter does its own pruning, which can be dangerous for property, people, and the tree.

 

Pruning is Easier when the Ground is Frozen

A tree care professional can typically move equipment closer to the trees they are working on without harming lawns or herbaceous perennials and annuals. Plus, your family will experience less inconvenience because of reduced yard usage in the winter.

 

It makes Spring More Beautiful

By selectively pruning in winter, we can improve the saturation of flowers and fruit they have in the growing season.

 

It Saves You Money

It typically takes less time to prune trees in winter because equipment can be moved closer to the tree in winter — and in some instances less debris is generated. We pass the savings on to you.

 

Note: If you do your own pruning, make sure you understand proper pruning techniques and use the right tools for the job. When trees require pruning of high branches or a power saw is needed, it’s time to call a professional, like Almstead, with the right tools, equipment and safety training to do the job.

 

 

LOCATIONS:

 

Lower Westchester County, NY and New York City

58 Beechwood Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801

914-576-0193

 

Upper Westchester (North of I-287)

15 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10532

914-741-1510

 

Fairfield County, Connecticut

547 Hope Street, Stamford CT 06907

203-348-4111

 

Bergen & Passaic Counties, NJ

504 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508

973-636-6711

 

Contact us for a Free Consultation

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