Time for pruning is running out!

As the weather warms up, it is a great time to think about trimming trees!

Pruning trees prior to the leaves coming out allows you to clearly view the structure of the tree. It also will remove those branches that you don't want before the plant invests its energy in producing leaves.

If you have spring flowering trees or shrubs that flower on last years growth, pruning after flowering this year will help improve flowering next year.
A few pointers about pruning:

• Make sure your tools are sharp. Dull tools make poor cuts, make you work harder than you have to, and can be dangerous if you slip while trying to "muscle-through" your work.
• Start by removing dead, diseases, broken and rubbing branches.  Then look to correct the structure of the tree.
• The MOST live material you should remove from a tree in any year is 25%.  This does not mean that you have to remove 25% but rather that is the upper limit of how much you can take.
• Cuts should be made at the branch collar (pictured below).  This is where the branch would naturally be shed by the tree and will make it easier for the tree to seal the wound. 
Joseph O'Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
• DO NOT USE PRUNING PAINT.  This was a common practice years ago but except for a few exceptions, it is no longer a recommended practice.
• If you hire someone to trim your trees, DO NOT LET THEM USE CLIMBING SPURS!!  This creates many small wounds on the trees trunk that can be an opening for disease or an attractant for insects.
• Gloves and safety glasses are recommended to protect yourself from scratches and pokes.