The Best Times to Prune Trees in Edmonton

Pruning, the process of removing and trimming branches, is essential in maintaining the overall health of Edmonton’s trees. This process greatly reduces the risk of further decay, disease in the tree, and safety hazards caused by the sudden fall of decaying branches. Understanding the ideal time to remove dying branches and roots will greatly increase the success of improving the life expectancy, beauty, and overall health of the tree.

For most deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually, the ideal time to prune is between the months of January and April, when they’re dormant. Trimming during this time will assist in avoiding disease, increase the overall appearance of the tree, and reduce the risk of sap flow from cuts. Late winter or early spring provides less risk of spreading disease due the dormancy of insects, such as the the bark beetle – a known carrier of Dutch Elm disease. Strictly, Elm trees can only be pruned between October 1st and March 31st in Edmonton for this very reason.

Another example is a disease called Oak Wilt Fungus that is transmitted by beetles from oak to oak. Since these beetles are dormant during these months, the risk of spreading the fungus is greatly reduced.

Between January and April is also the time before the trees begin to bud and flourish, making damaged and decaying areas more obvious to the pruner. This will also allow the pruner to see the tree’s structure in order to better understand the impact cuts will make on the tree’s shape and overall appearance.

Furthermore, pruning deciduous trees during cooler months greatly reduces the chance of sap flow, also known as bleeding, from wounds. In most cases, bleeding is harmless but can make the pruning process much more difficult. If sap flow occurs, it’s best to allow air to reach the wound and let it heal naturally. It is not necessary to wrap or bind the wound, as it can cause the area to become damp and increase the chances of fungal infection.

The exceptions for late winter and early spring pruning of deciduous trees in Edmonton are the Birch and Maple. These trees are best trimmed during July, after they have fully leafed out. The Birch and Maple both have a high sap flow during spring, and will excessively bleed when damaged during this time. This can cause the tree to be unsightly and less attractive.

Evergreens generally need limited pruning. If necessary, trimming before mid summer will allow for new buds to form next year. These new buds can increase the fullness and bushiness of the tree.

Understanding the best times to prune trees in Edmonton, and the reasons behind this, makes the results and process of trimming much more successful. Following these time guidelines will improve the overall health and quality of each tree by limiting the spread of disease, improving appearance, and decreasing the risk of unsightly sap flow.