Tree Trimming Season: Why trim trees in certain seasons?
Trees are like every other living organism. They have different preferences and different needs. When it comes to trimming and pruning, there are guidelines but, unfortunately, no one-size-fits-all approach. So it’s important to note when tree trimming season is in the Fraser Valley. At Lombardi Tree Service, we have extensive experience in providing guidance and advice regarding the right time for different species.
In a nutshell, trees need to be trimmed at the right time of the year. This ensures that your tree can grow with vigor and delivers the maximum flowers and fruits.
Why trees need to be trimmed at the right time of the year:
It helps spare energy
Generally, most trees need to be pruned and trimmed during the winter. This is because most trees are dormant during this time. At other times of the year, trees need to spend more of their energy on producing flowers, fruits, and new leaves. By trimming them in the winter, you allow your trees to recover and spend their energy on the other things they need them for. It also prevents any possibility of cutting into new plant growth, which will cause stress.
Late-winter, early-spring trimming helps trees sink all their valuable energy into producing healthy new growth once the weather warms.
Fewer chances of insects and disease during tree trimming season
In winter, there are fewer insects around. This means that the chances of the open cuttings attracting insects are less. In hotter and humid weather, diseases flourish, making the best time for most trees to be trimmed, once again, in winter.
This doesn’t only apply to winter, however. Trees can be pruned in seasons when insects or diseases don’t yet occur. If you pay close attention to the best time to trim your tree, you spare the tree from contracting potential diseases from open wounds and getting damaged by insects.
Quicker healing time
Like the first point, trees have times during the year when they can heal much quicker than the rest. Making sure the best time to trim your tree ensures that your tree has the quickest possible healing time. If your trees heal quickly, it also lessens the chances of insects or diseases getting into the open wounds. Remember that heavy pruning shouldn’t occur until your tree has been planted for at least two years. Replanting places heavy stress on a tree and you want your tree to fully recover before placing it under more stress from pruning.
Tree trimming season encourages growth
Cutting trees at the right time of the year will generally encourage growth. Pruning triggers certain hormones to send a message to the meristems to grow new stems and leaves. Everything about tree growth and development is regulated by phytohormones (plant hormones). These chemicals are usually produced at one location and translocated to another where they work. Pruning trees disrupts the flow or routes of the many chemicals found in trees. These connected pathways transport food and water and tell trees how to respond. By trimming your trees at the right time of the year, these hormones can effectively send the message to the meristems and encourage growth.
Trimming too early can damage or remove buds, drastically reducing the number of flowers that appear during bloom time. As a general rule, if a tree or shrub blooms in the spring, wait until after the flowers have begun to fade to trim.
Easier to see problem areas
Trimming trees during the winter, when they are leafless, means you will have better chances of seeing dry, damaged, and diseased plant matter. It is also easier to spot any structural defects. Being able to spot problem areas easily allows you to immediately take action and deal with any issues before they become problematic.
Develops a strong foundation
Young trees and shrubs need some help to grow in the right direction. Trimming your trees at the right time will help your trees to develop a strong foundation. A strong foundation means your tree can continue growing with vigor and flourish in its environment.
Being a good gardener means knowing your plants and trees well. You know all about their needs and their timelines. Trimming your trees at the right time of the year will help your trees to flourish, grow stronger and efficiently produce blooms and fruit.
Contact us for a free quote for tree trimming services in the Fraser Valley.
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