What is the best time to prune a locust tree?

Prune dead limbs from your locust trees in late winter. Locust trees are prone to extensive limb dieback that results from stem cankers or lesions.

Pruning requires a ladder and a pruning saw, and it?s a good idea to have someone stand at the base of the ladder to hold it in position for added safety. To prune a locust tree, gain access to the limb, via a ladder for taller trees, and position the pruning saw around 18 inches from the diseased or dead limb?s connection to the tree. Saw in an upward motion until the limb is halfway cut through, and then move the saw to about 1 inch above the first cut, sawing into the limb until it falls away.