Carl_Bergstrom

Hi Mike,

Good question - I've wondered about the same thing myself.

Given that I'm going to do my pruning some time between when the leaves come off and when the new ones start again, when to actually cut? Based on what I've read on the subject, Tony is right on the money. You want to time the pruning so that it takes place BEFORE the sap starts rising (early spring?) but not too much before, otherwise the cuts will dry out and possibly lead to dieback.

In fact, I've read that sacrifice branches should come off in late winter / early spring rather than in fall after the leaves drop. In the past I've always done after the leaves drop so as to have my trees looking decent throughout the winter. This year I'll try some each way and see what happens.

So...Did I make my word limit?

Best regards,
OMC

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