According to the experts in arboriculture and Cornell Cooperative Extension the best time to prune trees, especially deciduous trees, is between President’s Day and Tax Day (April 15).
There are several reasons for this and the most important is that the trees can heal quickly when pruning is completed, while they are dormant, and before they begin to leaf out. Another important reason is that a tree company, or you, can see all the branches and can selectively remove dead, damaged or overlapping limbs.
Other plants that require pruning are evergreens, broad leafed evergreen shrubs and smaller woody plants. Pruning trees and plants requires a real understanding of the plants to be pruned. Pruning the wrong way or at the wrong time can damage the plant and can cause stress. Knowing which plants flower and when is vital to a great-looking garden.
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If you plan to hire a tree company to prune your trees, and I recommend that you do, then please hire a professional tree company with proper licenses and certifications. Check with the Long Island Arbor Culture Association for a qualified company in your local area. Tree work is a dangerous business and should be left to experts. For your maintenance of smaller plants and trees then hire a local landscape maintenance company with experience, licensing, and certifications. The Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association has a list of qualified companies in your town. Remember that the work put into your landscape now will reward you this spring and summer!
Here are some helpful tips for timing:
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Early Spring (March-April)
Plant : Ornamental grasses, trim as close to the ground as you can!
Plant: Semiwoody perennials (butterfly bush, Russian sage). Cut these to about 4" to create strong new stems.
Plant : Broad-leaved evergreens (boxwood, holly firethorn). Prune out stems with winter-injured foliage.
Plant : Summer-flowering trees, shrubs, roses and hydrangea. Remove dead or damaged stems, shape and/or reduce size if preferred.
If you need help with any of the above items, please call us at (631)-423-2211 , visit our webpage at www.rainrich.com or You may also email us at irrigationspecialist@rainrich.com.
Rain Rich Sprinklers has been serving Long Island for 30 years and prides itself on providing outstanding service and the best value.
