Is it harmful to prune trees in the winter?

Question

I need to get a maple tree trimmed because of snow damage. I also have 2 cottonwoods that need trimming. I don't want it to cause disease in any of them but it is cheaper to have them all done at once.

Answer 1

The best time to prune any tree is during the winter when it is dormant. The tree is not actively growing and insects and diseases are not present. In an ideal world it is best to prune during late winter so the wounds begin closing over as soon as spring arrives, realistically winter in general is best.

See these websites for in-depth and thorough information about pruning trees:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0628.html

http://www.treesaregood.com/

Answer 2

Winter pruning is best. It does the least damage to the tree because the sap is not running, and cuts down on the spread of disease.
It is kind to your pocket book also because most folks don't think of it in the winter and so you can sometimes get an arborist for a little less money.
Last, the arborist can see cross over branches and rotting spots easily in the winter so , she can more efficiently prune the tree.

Answer 3

Winter is the ideal time to prune decidious trees such as Maples and Cottonwoods.
When they loose their leaves in the winter they are at a state of rest and so won't go through excessive stress do to loss of vital nutrients and moisture. There are a variety of publications available for the proper techniques of pruning which is important to the health of your trees.

Answer 4

No it is not harmful. It is the best time to prune, the sap is down and the tree will not be shocked in any way. Trim away.

Answer 5

Winter is the best time to prune you trees as they are dormant and there is no sap running out of them. make sure that you do not trim more that 1/3 of the tree as this might be harmfully to it. This is the rule for just about any type of tree.......................Good Luck

Answer 6

The "Rule Of Thumb" about pruning is this: Prune or trim right after flowering or fruiting.
If it has developed buds, don't cut them off. Lilacs are a great example of this, as they start their spring buds in September.
Look at the trees, see if they have developed any buds. If so, don't prune. If not, go ahead.

Of course, if you have damage you should fix it right away before any kind of fungus can set in.

Answer 7

I am from the west coast so maybe I don't know about snow. We prune all our deciduous trees here in winter. That is when they are dormant, so no worries.

Good luck :-)

Answer 8

If you are getting a pro to do it, they would know when to do it. I just see pruning in the spring and fall. Mostly spring on fruit trees.

Answer 9

I think fall is the best time