Press Release

For immediate release
February 12, 2007

Late winter is a good time to prune trees

Although most trees in the Twin Cities look inactive, a slight increase in temperature is all that is needed to kick them into gear.  When the temperature moves above freezing the cells under the bark and in the over wintering buds begin to thaw and photosynthesis can take place.  Once this process is initiated, sugar reserves in the roots, trunk, and branches of the tree are activated and leaf emergence is only a few days behind.  In the spring of the year sugars produced last year are used to push new growth in the tree.  This push for growth is all encompassing until the new foliage begins to photosynthesize to the point that it begins to replace the sugars that were used in the spring flush.

This makes late winter and early spring a good time to prune trees for structural integrity and to promote tree health.  It is easier to see branches with included bark and structural deformities without summer foliage.  Also, you are removing portions of the tree before they can become a “sugar sink” and utilize the over wintering reserves.  The theory behind this approach is that the remaining reserves, those minus what was stored in the removed limbs, will be used to enhance growth and compartmentalization (wound healing) in the remainder of the tree.

While light pruning can be an afternoon venture, if done improperly it can damage the tree and cause additional decay opportunities.  Follow the directions for proper pruning at (www.rainbowtreecare.com/pdf/ProperPruningTechniques.pdf) if you are a weekend warrior.  If it is more than you want to handle on your own, you can always hire an ISA Certified Arborist to accomplish the job.

So, if the temperature is comfortable and the fish aren’t biting you can get a head start and be ready for the call of the golf clubs come spring rather than the call of the shears all under the auspices of doing the right thing for your trees.

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