Once the leaves drop, most facility managers turn their attention to snow and ice. But late fall and winter are also the best time of year to take care of the trees and shrubs on your property. Dormant pruning keeps your landscape healthy, your grounds safer, and your spring schedule clear.
What Is Dormant Pruning?
Dormant pruning is pruning done after trees and shrubs have gone dormant for the season, between leaf drop in the fall and new growth in the spring. The University of Missouri Extension notes that the dormant season is generally the best time to prune most trees and shrubs, with some exceptions for plants that bloom in early spring.
Why Winter Works Better for Pruning
Better visibility. With the leaves gone, crews can see the full structure of each tree, making it easier to spot crossing limbs, weak branches, and dead wood.
Less stress on the plant. Trees and shrubs are resting, so pruning cuts have time to settle before spring growth begins.
Lower pest and disease pressure. Many insects and diseases are inactive in cold weather, so fresh cuts are less exposed.
Less disruption on site. Pruning during the slower season keeps crews out of the way of the busy spring and summer maintenance calendar.
Safety Matters on Commercial Properties
Overhanging limbs above parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances become a real concern once snow and ice start adding weight to branches. Removing dead, dying, or damaged limbs before winter storms arrive helps protect vehicles, buildings, and the people walking underneath. It also gives your snow removal crews clearer access to the areas they need to clear.
Plan Ahead Instead of Reacting
When you need your trees trimmed, it is better to have that work planned so emergencies do not happen. Scheduling ahead of time also means you do not have to compete with everyone else trying to get their end of winter trimming done at the last minute.
Bluegrass builds pruning into our tree and shrub care services and our Landcare Management Plan, so it happens at the right time every year without you having to chase it down. Want to know more about how we prune? Read our guide to good and bad pruning practices.
Get Your Pruning on the Calendar
Bluegrass serves industrial, medical, banking, senior living, and office properties across the St. Louis area. Request a consultation to get dormant pruning scheduled for your property this season.
