What happens if I prune a tree at the wrong time of year?

Cherry and plum trees pruned in winter risk silver leaf disease, a fatal fungal infection. Birch, walnut and maple bleed heavily if cut in spring, weakening the tree. Most other trees will survive a badly-timed prune but will be stressed, produce weak regrowth that breaks easily, or take longer to heal.

We see it regularly. A homeowner who cut their plum tree in January because "winter is pruning time." A landlord who had their birch topped in March because the contractor was available. The contractor should have said no. The tree pays the price.

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