Pruning start date?

[buckdeer1]

Anyone started yet?

 

[sandbur]

Anyone started yet?

Are you talking apple trees? I would say it varies with your location. I start the end of February. After the coldest part of the winter.

 

[Catscratch]

I haven't started yet but will at any point. I've tried to figure out the best time and have only come up with "do it when you can" type of thing.

 

[Stubborn1VT]

I won't do any heavy pruning until March here in Vermont. I will probably take off some small upright growth and waterspouts off the trees by my house. I get sick of looking at them. LOL.

 

[TonySoprano]

In virginia I wait to the end of Jan- early Feb . Not sure if that's right but the pear trees usually have their white flowers out by mid March.

 

[BuckSnort]

I suppose it all depends on what volume of trees you’re talking about. I have 100+ trees that are 10 years and younger. I can currently get them all done in a day in Feb / March. As they get older, I’ll have to adjust and potentially start sooner. I figure the later I wait, the less chance there is for winter injury. But I’m also in Central & Northern WI (Zone 3/4). Warmer climate there is probably less concern here. And also if I want to save scionwood, I don’t need to store it so long.

 

[BuckSutherland]

Are you talking apple trees? I would say it varies with your location. I start the end of February. After the coldest part of the winter.

Are the trees susceptible to injury if you prune them in December and then it gets really cold?? I have already pruned some oak and spruce trees in my woods up north.

 

[sandbur]

Are the trees susceptible to injury if you prune them in December and then it gets really cold?? I have already pruned some oak and spruce trees in my woods up north.

I think the answer is yes if you are referring to apple trees.