All trees can be pruned year-round, but most trees do best if pruned in the early spring or late fall.
Specific trees, like maple, birch and walnut trees, can be pruned in the summer with little problem.
Most trees can take a slight trimming year-round and it is important to remove dead branches to reduce the spread of disease and risk of damage from strong storms.
Practice safe lopping! If a limb is over 30 feet off the ground, or the entire tree has damage, consider contacting a profession arborist.
Take the time this summer and fall to pinch off spent blossoms, or deadhead, flowering perennials and annuals. Not only does it encourage more blooms, but it gives your garden a fresh look heading into the fall. You may want to keep some spent blooms on the plant, which turn into attractive fruits or seed pods.
Originally published on October 7th, 2010. Updated on June 30th, 2023.