Tree Care Tips for Spring: When to Prune & Water Trees

Tree pruning is an important part of tree care, but timing matters! Here’s what you need to know:

• Oak & Elm Trees – These should only be pruned in late winter or very early spring (before April). Trimming them too late can expose them to oak wilt and Dutch elm disease.
• Most Other Trees – Late summer, fall, or winter is best for big pruning jobs. If you remove too much in early spring, trees can struggle to recover because they just spent a lot of energy growing new leaves.
• Ornamental Trees (like flowering crabapples) – These need specific treatments in early spring to prevent apple scab and other diseases.

Drought stress is a huge issue for trees, and Minnesota has experienced multiple dry years. Trees in yards, especially those standing alone, don’t hold moisture as well as trees in the forest.

Here’s how you can check if your tree needs water:

• Dig down nine inches near the tree’s base. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water!
• A slow, deep soak once a week can make a big difference during dry spells.

If you want your trees to be strong, healthy, and resistant to tree disease, proper watering is key!