Winter is best time to trim trees

It’s hard to believe that winter is almost here. It seems like yesterday, we were just getting our yards and patios ready to host summer barbecues and pool parties, and now we’re thinking about winterizing plants and trimming tree branches.

Winter is the best time to trim and prune trees and shrubs because they’re dormant during this season. With winter around the corner, here are some things to consider when trimming or pruning your trees.

BEFORE YOU START Trimming and pruning trees is a big job, and there are a lot of things to consider before starting the project. It’s a good idea to do a quick search online and see if there are special techniques to prune specific trees.

WHEN TO PRUNE Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice among arborists, and it’s usually best to wait until the coldest part of the winter to begin this process. Doing this results in vigorous growth in the spring. There are a number of reasons why pruning in the winter is best.

• The wounds heal faster, which keeps the plant strong.

• Pruning a tree helps it maintain its shape and appearance.

• There is less risk of disease or infestation during colder weather.

• It’s easier to see what you’re pruning when the leaves are gone.

• Dead or broken branches can fall at any time, which creates a safety hazard. Trim questionable branches before they fall.

SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT It’s important to make sure you have the right tools for the job and that everything is in good working order.

If you’re looking to expand your lawn-care tool collection, the Greenworks 60V 10-inch Brushless Pole Saw is great for those higher branches that are hard to reach. On a fully charged battery, this lightweight pole saw will run for an hour and extend up to 8 feet.

The Greenworks 60V 16-inch Cordless Brushless Chain Saw is perfect for those larger trimming jobs. It provides up to 90 cuts on a fully charged battery and has a chain brake that halts the chain to prevent accidental kickback.