ADVERTISING - ADVERTORIAL - Dormant season pruning, part II

In last week's article, I began discussing some of the benefits of pruning deciduous trees this time of year. I mentioned better visibility of branch structure and reduced stress on the trees. There is another benefit that should be mentioned, which is where we will start off with today.

While pruning can be quite judicious for a tree in many ways, it is a cut that leads to a wound. The benefit of pruning or cutting now in the dormant season lies in the tree's biological response to a wound. Trees do not heal wounds like a human but instead compartmentalize them. Pruning now during the dormant season minimizes stress AND maximizes the compartmentalization of the wound as we start into spring.

Deciduous trees pruned this time of year may drip sap but much less than after our region breaks dormancy. Many customers are concerned about dripping sap, and while it does not greatly affect the tree (think of all the maple syrup made by tapping a tree for its sap), it does start long conversations on the phone with people concerned about their tree “bleeding.” Ultimately, tree sap is energy, so losing less of it is a good practice as it can attract insects and pathogens, both of which are much less active this time of year below 50 degrees.

Another concern we hear frequently is, “The Buds are forming! The Buds are Forming!” (Think the “British are coming,! The British are coming!”)

Buds are actually formed late summer and fall the prior year. They construct hard scales that are waxy and overlap like roof shingles forming a strong protection zone that shelter future growth. As temps rise and daylight increases, buds will swell and become more noticeable, but they were formed several months before and stay protective until dormancy breaks. In our region, that is usually late March through April and into mid-May — depending on species, location, elevation and microclimate. My concern is not that buds are swelling, but that after they open, if we get a hard freeze, we will experience some tip dieback. This is typically not overly detrimental to the entire tree as it will push new growth on secondary buds further back on the branch.

I realize I am a certified tree geek, but I find Mother Nature so very interesting, an excellent teacher as well as very resilient. The buds of spring are swelling, and it is time! Sharpen your loppers, pruners and hand saws! It's time to prune!

As always, for further tree related questions, quotes or consultations, give us a call today, 208-762-5800!

For more information on Grace Tree Service, check out our website at gracetreeservice.com.