Monroe Chat

When is the best time to trim fruit trees? Mom has apple, pear, peach, cherry and plum and all bore copious amounts of fruit but while edible, I think a good pruning is needed. The little apple tree is growing crooked and we now have it staked back but it's branches are leaning in one direction, some way longer than others plus it is full of fruit right now. Mom won't let me touch it.

What about trimming maples and beeches, etc? When is the best time of year and anyone have any recommendations of who to call?

Call Berns Landscaping. A few years ago they absorbed Ken Larison (local, born and bred ) His knowledge of trees is immense. He came out a couple of years ago and trimmed a tree that I was certain needed to be replaced. It is now gorgeous! 513.539.5335

You are right to wonder when to trim. The answer varies with the plant. Except for dead wood. That can be taken out any time.

Fruit trees are, generally, best pruned when dormant; late winter is the recommended time.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1150.html

Maples should be pruned no earlier than June or July, otherwise you'll get copious sap flow.
Beech could probably be pruned a little earlier, but not much.

As for who to call; that depends on how much pruning there is to do. If it's more than you can, or are allowed ( ), then I would recommend a certified arborist. Whatever you do, do not go with some schmoe who drives up and says "hey, we're in the neighborhood..."

Make sure you hire someone who has proper insurance, workman's comp, etc., and who knows what they are doing to avoid tree butchery!

That's why I recommended Ken. He had a business at the front of the park but was absorbed by Berns a few years back. He's the only one I'd let touch my trees around here. (I wish I could remember the name of the business...)

~H*B*G~ wrote:He's the only one I'd let touch my trees around here.

You know, this is such a good opening...