When to trim branches off trees?

[AlbertC]

I have another question, I need to cut the lower branches off a lot of trees on my property with a pole saw. Is there a certain time of the year that I need to do this. If i do it now or over the winter, I can burn the limbs this burning season. If I have to wait until spring the burning season will have passed and I will have to wait until oct 2016 to burn the limbs.

My concern is if I cut the limbs off over the winter the cut may not be able to scab over and will weaken the tree or make it more susceptible to rot or insects. Anyone have any info on this?

Thank you very much!

 

[bcp]

Type of tree might make a difference. Apple vs pine, for example.

Bruce

 

[MoKelly]

I've always heard the best time to prune trees is in late Fall/early winter after the leaves have fallen. You should leave a little nub where the branch was and not trim flush with the trunk.

MoKelly

 

[davesl708]

Usually cut in winter after the leaves are down and the sap has receded. Before the sap rises in the spring. This will help the tree heal from the cut and help reduce the risk of disease.

 

[bigtiller]

Trim storm damage when it happens. Trim nut trees like oak and walnut December - February and shade trees December - March.

 

[oosik]

The recommendation for fruit trees is late February to early April.

 

[TnAndy]

The best time to trim is when you're standing next to the tree with a trimming tool in hand.

 

[4570Man]

I trim trees whenever I get pissed off enough from getting hit mowing to bother trimming them. I have never had any problems whacking a few limbs off the bottom. A serious whole tree trimming might be another story.

 

[nybirdman]

I asked the same question to an apple orchard owner;he said he had to trim year-round to keep up.Just a few trees I would wait until cold weather.

 

[tcartwri]

The second hottest day of the year. The first hottest is for doing hay....