Don’t allow this year’s heavy winter storms do damage to your Kansas City landscaping. The best way to prevent storm damage to your beloved trees and shrubs is to honor a routine dormant pruning schedule.
The Importance of Dormant Pruning
While healthy pruning is always beneficial to trees and shrubs, dormant pruning can be the difference between life or death! Heavy winter snow and ice takes it’s toll on Kansas City landscaping, as can heavy spring thunderstorms. Pruning your trees and shrubs reduces their surface area, which allows weather to pass over them, rather than to provide a load they can’t bear.
As Autumn temperatures grow deeper, cooler days and nights trigger a dormant response for most trees and plants. Oaks, Pines and Elms should only be pruned during the dormant season in order to prevent the development of Oak wilt, Pine wilt, and Dutch Elm disease. Other trees, such as evergreens and spruces also benefit from a dormant season pruning.
Unfortunately, poorly executed pruning can do more harm than good. Always follow recommended tree trimming safety precautions. If you aren’t quite sure what to do, hire a professional. Expertly pruned trees this season will result in gorgeous shade protection next summer.