When should you trim trees and shrubs?

Pruning to remove dead wood can be done at any time. Other times to prune include winter, summer and spring. The best time to prune trees and shrubs depends mainly on why the pruning is necessary.

Winter is the most common time to prune. Most species of trees and shrubs are pruned during this time. Summer pruning is done to direct the growth of a tree or branch. Summer pruning is also corrects defective limbs. Spring pruning enhances flowering on trees after the flowers have faded. It is not recommended to prune in the fall, as this encourages fungi spread.