Noticed a huge difference in tree growth after I stopped pruning in fall

I used to prune my client's oaks every October without thinking twice. Last year I held off until late winter on a big red oak in Portland, and the spring growth was way more vigorous and full. The branches filled out nicer and I saw way less dieback on the cuts. I swear the tree looked healthier within 4 months. Anyone else seen this dramatic of a shift just from changing the season you prune?

2 comments

2 Comments

lindaw1216d agoMost Upvoted

Held off myself and saw the same thing.

thomas.piper16d ago

Jumped on this bandwagon a couple years back with a row of maples I've been managing. The difference was plain as day, less sap weeping and the wounds sealed over faster than when I cut them in fall. I think a lot of folks don't realize trees are still active in fall, storing energy for winter, and cutting then just stresses them out when they need that boost. Sticking with late winter pruning now, and it's made my job easier with healthier results.