The incredible spring growing season we’ve had here in the
New York area has produced a thick, heavy canopy for our trees and shrubs. In
many cases, this is too much of a good thing. We’ve been seeing a lot of trees that
have too much leafy weight to be safely supported by the branches, making them
vulnerable to snapping off, and putting stress on the tree’s health. We're
also still finding branches damaged by last fall’s storms either hung up in
other branches or ready to break off.
And there are several other good reasons to “Prune in June.”
Selective pruning helps to maintain your plantings by stimulating healthy new
growth, enhancing the form and beauty of your trees or shrubs. Right after the
spring growth is also the right time to prune to create a thicker privacy
screen. And of course, selectively pruning the tree canopy will allow more
light to reach your lawn, shrubs and perennials.
- - Alan McCullough, Almstead arborist and Branch Manager, New
Jersey
