When to Prune
This depends to a large extent on why you prune. Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done anytime. Otherwise, below are some guidelines for the different seasons.
Winter Pruning
Protect trees from snow and ice by pruning weak, poorly attached, or decayed branches. Small branches can be pruned with hand tools, but large or hanging limbs or branches near power lines should be left to an ISA Certified Arborist®, especially after winter storms.
Summer Pruning
To direct the growth by slowing the branches you don’t want, or to “dwarf” the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily.
Pruning Flowering Trees to Enhance Flowering
For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring.
When Not To Prune: Fall
Because decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall and wounds seem to heal more slowly on fall on cuts, this is a good time to leave your pruning tools in storage.
