Now that the weather has finally begun to warm up, I know that everyone wants to get outside. It’s about time, we know! The sunshine is calling and pasty Canadians everywhere are responding.  Time for spring cleaning the yard. So grab your garden tools and let’s look at what to do and what NOT to do this time of year.

Spring Cleaning in the Yard

Pruning

There are some things you want to prune this time of year and other plants to leave alone. As a general rule, you can prune dead, diseased or damaged limbs any time throughout the year. After that, most trees can be pruned in winter or early spring before the growing season begins. This improves the overall health of a tree; its shape, the sunlight and airflow through it, any branches that are rubbing or crossing, and eliminates suckers or water sprouts.

There are always exceptions to this rule though. Any early blooming trees or shrubs should be pruned after they flower. You wouldn’t want to miss those blooms! These include;

Wait until after flowering trees and shrubs bloom to prune them

• Azalea
• Flowering Dogwood
• Flowering plums & cherries
• Forsythia
• Lilac
• Magnolia Trees
• Rhododendron

Likewise, some deciduous trees do better being pruned at other times of the year; either in fall, winter or late summer. This helps to prevent infection or insect infestations, like the emerald ash borer, Dutch Elm Disease or oak wilt. These trees include;

• Ash Trees
• Elm Trees
• Oak Trees

Wait to prune ‘bleeders’ until after the leaves unfurl

There are other trees that are considered “bleeders”; sap flows after pruning. In general, this doesn’t harm the tree, but to avoid any concerns wait until the leaves are fully out to prune these trees;

• Birch
• Dogwood
• Maple

Now that you know what to stay away from, you’re good to go. Get out there and enjoy the weather! Always make sure to practice safe pruning measures. If you are still in doubt, contact CLC Tree Services with your questions or book an estimate today –
(519) 685-0257.
Happy Spring Cleaning!