When is the best time of year to trim trees in Maine?

The best time of year to trim trees in Maine is during late winter, or very early spring. Deciduous trees have more time to heal when pruning is performed during this time. The best time to trim trees that flower early in the spring (such as; Juneberry, or Serviceberry) is soon after the flowers die. This will encourage more flowers to grow from the new growth that forms over the summer. Trimming trees that flower in the summer (like; Crab apples, and Dogwoods) should only be trimmed after the coldest part of winter. This ensures that more buds on the new shoots that grow in the spring. Evergreens don't typically need much trimming, but in cases where they do, it is also a good practice to wait until late winter, to early spring. This will give the tree the most time to recover before spring and summer, when the canopy is in active growth.
There is no time constraints for trimming any dead, dying, or diseased limbs and branches from the any trees, whether deciduous or evergreen. Dead or dying limbs should be addressed right away, before becoming a hazard to people or property.
There are several reasons why tree trimming should be performed
  • Dead, dying, and or hazardous branch removal - Any branch overhead that could fall and damage property or hurt someone should be removed
  • Structural pruning - Pruning to correct defects or weak branch attachments, or select for a dominant trunk
  • Pruning for increased flowering/fruiting - Tree trimming done in the late winter, to very early spring to encourage more blooms and fruit
  • Elevation pruning, or lifting - Trimming done to increase space between canopy of tree and object beneath it, or allow for a view
  • Vista pruning - Tree trimming performed to allow for a view through a stand of trees
  • Height reduction or crown reduction - Tree trimming performed on fruit trees to allow fruit to remain at a height that is easier to harvest from
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Our ISA Certified/Maine licensed Arborist would be happy to talk more with you about When is the best time to trim your trees.

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