Pruning is an important aspect of tree management since it helps to determine the health and look of trees. To the population of Montreal time while pruning is equally important as the way it is done. Contrary to popular belief, tree pruning in Montreal is best done during the cold season to avoid stressing the tree than when there is abundant and real sun shine and heat. It is worth noting that there are several benefits associated with the cold season, which you can leverage to enhance the health of your trees, shield your property and prepare your landscapes to look great in the coming spring.
- Trees Are Dormant in Winter
This is because most trees are dormant during winter hence making it a suitable time to prune trees in Montreal. After the autumn goes through the winter until the early spring, tree undergoes dormancy, this implies that growth stops. This is the best time to prune because the tree is leafless hence enabling one get a clear view of the tree. It is also easy to notice which branches must be pruned in order to enhance the tree form or health state. Pruning during dormancy is also less stressful to the tree and therefore, there are less chances of the tree getting easily infected by diseases or other pests’ infestations.
- Better Visibility for Structural Pruning
Winter pruning is an added advantage to the homeowners and arborists as they are able to have a clear view of the tree’s branches and structure. It is during winter when the leaves have fallen and it becomes easier to tell which part of the tree needs pruning as some branches might be dead, damaged or is a host to some disease. This increased visibility results in improved accuracy of the cuts leading to service delivery that benefits the tree. Trimming the tree during winter is also important in shaping the tree when they start sprouting in spring thus achieving the desired shape.
- Reduces the Risk of Disease and Pests
During warmer months the branches and new growth can easily get infected or infested with diseases or pests if the tree is pruned. Any open wound on a tree trunk whether caused by a cut or knot splits may bring fungal spores, insects or bacteria that may bring diseases that may kill the tree. Anyway, during winter it is cold and pests are less active and diseases spread slowly is a much slower pace. Pruning during winter eliminates the possibility of some diseases such as the dutch elm disease or oak wilt, which may be prevalent during the other seasons of the year. This makes winter to be the best time to prune trees in Montreal in order to avoid damaging the trees.
- Minimize Stress to Trees
Summer prunes to trees are usually unnecessary and can stress the trees. Humans practice tree trimming services during winter since it is a dormant season for trees, whereby the trees have a perfect chance of healing itself in case of any harm. Since the tree is not investing in more growth it should heal the pruning cuts before the start of spring. This makes recover process to be easier and efficient.
- Prepare Your Trees for Spring Growth
In winter, trees develop the ability to grow in the spring which is acquired by winter pruning. When you prune your trees in winter, you do this to take out the weak branches which do not need to be there when the tree is active again. It helps in the aspect of air and light penetration that are vital in the photosynthesis process hence improvement in foliage and blooming when it comes to warmer season.
- Easier Access for Pruning Equipment
There are two sides to the problems of pruning trees in Montreal, and they are that snow is a blessing and a curse at the same time. During winter there is no much undergrowth and the ground is somewhat hardened hence less difficulties in accessing trees with pruning equipment. Dry grounds are also hard and they do not damage the grass or garden when you are pruning especially during the winter season when the ground is snowing. Ladders and related equipment can be placed securely to have an access to the upper branches and therefore winter pruning is more effective and does not harm the trees or the arborists as much.
- Minimising risk of Storm damage
The winter in Montreal is severe and there are ice storms which lead to production of ice on trees leading to; breaking of trees and falling of branches due to an influx of snow. Removing dead or injured branches in the winter also reduces the chances of destruction of your property by storm. Eliminating these weak branches before they break and lower more ice or snow has the added benefit of lessening the likelihood of experiencing harm to your property or injuries to individuals from falling branches or damages to car and other vehicles or even to the power lines near your compound.
Conclusion
It thus goes without doubt that winter is the most appropriate season to engage in tree pruning in Montreal. The dormant season also has several advantages like, the less stress on trees, easier identification of the tree structure, and, least probabilities of pest or disease attack. Winter pruning also aids the trees to gain better health and vigour in growing especially in the spring season. Through proper utilization of the cold season, you can be able to make your trees strong and beautiful all through the seasons. Whether it is a matter of pruning for aesthetic reasons or for future development of your landscape, winter tree pruning is not only a wise decision to take as a homeowner in Montreal.