Spring is here, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how the warmer weather will affect your landscaping. Depending on the type of trees and plants that you have, you may need to perform special maintenance before the summer heat arrives. Here’s what you need to know about pruning your trees in the spring and summer.
Spring
There are several trees that should be pruned during the months of March and April. As the weather begins to get warmer, your trees will begin to produce fruit or flowers, which can weigh down the branches and increase their risk of breaking or falling. Citrus trees should be pruned before the citrus season in the late winter or early spring, while flowering trees like magnolias should be pruned in the spring before their blooms emerge.
It’s also a good idea to prune back large or thorny trees before the monsoon season begins, as the heavy winds can cause your trees to damage your home or the surrounding landscaping.
Summer
Once the summer heat sets in, you can turn your attention to the drought-tolerant, heat-resistant trees that do so well in the Arizona weather. Trees like sissoo, mesquite, palo Verde, willow acacia, African sumac, and palo Brea should be pruned in May or June. If you didn’t take the chance to trim back your larger trees before the monsoon season, it’s essential to do so before mid-summer.
Trees that are sensitive to the heat, like citrus and Ficus trees, should not be excessively pruned in the summer. If you’re not sure which of your trees should be left alone, your landscaper can give you some tips.
Complete Landscaping in Tucson, AZ provides exceptional landscape design and installation services for homes and businesses. For more information on our outdoor services or to request a free estimate, call (520) 323-8918.