Paramount Winter Care Kit

A tree will need pruning for a variety of reasons we have listed some of them below

: To remove diseased or storm-damaged branches

: To thin the crown of the tree to allow for new growth and good air circulation over the winter months. 

: To reduce the height of the tree

: To remove obstructing lower branches or just to give a new design

For most trees, the dormant season, late fall or winter, is the best time to prune although dead branches can and should be removed at any time. 

Pruning during the dormant period minimizes sap loss and subsequent stress to the tree. It also minimizes the risk of fungus infection or insect infestation as both fungi and insects are likely to be in dormancy at the same time as the tree. Finally, in the case of deciduous trees, pruning when the leaves are off will give you a better idea of how your pruning will affect the shape of the tree. Also, since most pruning should be done in late fall or winter, insects should not be much of an issue. However, there exist some circumstances when it is preferable to seal the wound.

In particular, you should seal pruning wounds on trees that are susceptible to damaging insect infestation such as birch, oak, and elm trees. Also, if the weather is particularly dry, a pruning sealer will help the tree retain more moisture.