The best time to prune trees

In the low desert, tree pruning can be done almost year round, but here are the suggested best times to trim:

• Deciduous trees – winter dormancy (December through February)
• Citrus – after February to avoid frost damage
• Conifers – winter dormancy
• Natives – summer
  • Mesquites: Spring or early summer to prevent damage from monsoon storms
  • Palo Verdes: Avoid summer pruning since they are sun sensitive

Don’t forget to sanitize your pruning equipment before use, and in between pruning different trees to prevent virus, vascular fungus and bacteria infections. Don’t prune at oozing cankers. You can use:

• 70% isopropyl alcohol
• Listerine
• Lysol
• Pine-Sol

For more information on pruning:

• UofA Cooperative Extension
• KTAR