I need to do some fairly significant trimming on our backyard trees but want to be very careful not to damage them. I’ve always heard Spring/Fall are the best times of year to trim, but would be very curious to tap into the vast IDO knowledge base.
What have others heard/experienced for best time of year to trim?
The late dormant season is best for most pruning. Pruning in late winter, just before spring growth starts, leaves fresh wounds exposed for only a short length of time before new growth begins the wound sealing process. Another advantage of dormant pruning is that it’s easier to make pruning decisions without leaves obscuring plant branch structure. Pruning at the proper time can avoid certain disease and physiological problems:
X2, late January early Feb.
I have been told you can safely trim in any month that has a r in it.
It really depends on he type of tree. Oak elm ash only recommend nov thru feb. most others fine any other time just not early spring during sap movement. Cooler eves to warm days. 
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It really depends on he type of tree. Oak elm ash only recommend nov thru feb. most others fine any other time just not early spring during sap movement. Cooler eves to warm days.
X2 Also try to avoid doing it when there is a heat wave (highs in the 90’s) or drought as it adds stress to them.
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X2 Also try to avoid doing it when there is a heat wave (highs in the 90’s) or drought as it adds stress to them.
I copied my reply from the U of M, but this is what I really believe. You’re fine as long as it isn’t hot or a drought that would stress the tree.
However, I think if as a part of trimming the tree you are trying to shape it as opposed to cleaning up, then you do want to do it late winter early spring.
Kind of a piggy back question to this post. Once you trim the tree are you putting anything on the fresh cut? I bought a spray from Menards that is for this to use on my apple trees. Not sure if it is needed.
DT
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Once you trim the tree are you putting anything on the fresh cut?
Absolutely not…let the tree heal itself.
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