Will Pruning a Tree in Summer Kill It? A Detailed Guide

Pruning trees is an important part of keeping them healthy and stable. But it’s not clear if pruning a tree in the summer will hurt it or kill it. Through my work as an arborist, I’ve learned that summer pruning can help trees without hurting them if done correctly. I’ll give you tips and the best ways to prune safely this summer in this complete guide.

Understanding Summer Pruning

Summer pruning refers to trimming trees during the growing season from late spring to early fall. It differs from dormant season pruning which occurs in winter when trees are inactive. Let’s explore the key considerations around summer pruning:

Benefits

• Improves structure by removing problematic branches
• Opens up the canopy to increase air circulation and light penetration
• Controls growth and enhances fruit production in fruit trees
• Removes broken, diseased or dead branches

Risks

• Cuts during hot weather can stress trees and slow healing
• Sap flow increases, attracting insects to fresh wounds
• Overpruning leaves trees vulnerable to sunscald

Proper Timing

• Early summer when growth has slowed is best
• Avoid pruning during droughts or heat waves
• Consult arborists on species-specific needs

Summer Pruning vs Dormant Season Pruning

While dormant pruning promotes vigorous growth summer pruning is focused on

• Maintaining tree health by removing issues
• Controlling size and improving shape
• Thinning the canopy for better light and air penetration

It’s best to avoid heavy pruning in summer. Make selective precision cuts instead.

Signs That Summer Pruning is Risky

Avoid summer pruning if:

• Trees are under drought stress
• Temperatures are extreme with heat waves
• Pest infestations are active
• Trees are already weakened by disease or storms

This puts excess strain on trees hindering recovery.

Which Trees Tolerate Summer Pruning

• Fruit trees: Improves fruit quality by optimizing light and air flow.
• Magnolias: Can selectively prune damaged branches without harm.
• Elms: Tolerate light thinning cuts to open the canopy.
• Maples: Pruning when sap flow is low prevents excessive oozing.

Consult arborists to tailor techniques to specific trees.

5 Key Summer Pruning Guidelines

Follow these tips for safe summer trimming:

• Prune lightly: Remove only 25% or less of the canopy.
• Use clean, sharp tools: Sterilize tools to avoid spreading disease.
• Time it right: Prune in early summer during moderate temps.
• Know what to remove: Prioritize dead or damaged branches.
• Hire a pro arborist: Get expert guidance matched to your trees.

4 Benefits of Proper Summer Pruning

Smart summer pruning provides:

• Better light exposure throughout the canopy
• Increased air circulation reducing pests and diseases
• Removal of limbs hazardous to people or property
• Aesthetic shaping and size control for overgrown trees

Should It Be Avoided in Certain Situations?

Avoid summer pruning if:

• Trees are stressed by drought or heatwaves
• During active pest infestations on vulnerable species
• On trees prone to infectious diseases like oak wilt
• Right before flowering seasons which would remove next year’s flower buds

Is Hiring a Professional Arborist Advisable?

Arborists can assess your specific trees and climate conditions to determine if summer pruning is beneficial or not. Certified professionals have the skills to:

• Recognize signs of disease or pest damage
• Identify which branches to remove
• Use proper techniques tailored to the tree species and time of year
• Determine if the tree is too high-risk for summer pruning

This experience preserves the tree’s health in the long run.

If you do it right, pruning trees in the summer can be safe and helpful. Better structure and controlled growth are good things, but they come with risks, like stress and sun damage. When you prune your trees in the summer, make sure you follow best practices for careful, precise pruning and get help from certified arborists. Avoid overpruning and be cautious of high temperatures. If you do it right, summer pruning can help you keep your trees looking great and healthy.