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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	March, 2006	Return to newsletter index

With the lack of snow and unseasonable weather that we have been having, plant care should be on the front burner now. Beside the fact that cabin fever is building in all of us and we should all get out of the house, now is one of the best times of the year to consider your tree pruning needs. In addition to the personal benefit of outdoor activities during this beautiful time of the year, trees handle being cut or pruned best during the winter months.

First, there are no major insects, which feed upon the wounds, which are created during pruning activities and the wounds heal without pests bothering them. As with all wounds associated with pruning the diseases, funguses and bacterium are not as active during the winter months, which mean less of a chance of damaging your prized tree with pruning during this period of the year.

The same holds true with all pruning DO NOT PAINT the wounds. Much research has been preformed with regards to painting tree wounds, almost all of which has indicated that covering the wounds of pruning with any kind of tree wound dressing or paint has little positive effect. In most cases it actually seals in any bacteria, fungus or disease so that it will cause more harm than good. Making a clean pruning cut just beyond the bark ridge will help the tree more than any topical sealant could ever do. Cutting beyond this ridge or collar is a key to successful pruning.

Also remember the rule of thirds when pruning. Never remove more than one third of growing material in one growing cycle. I always try to do less than 25% whenever possible. Finally, when pruning remember the 5 D's rule. Start by pruning the Dead, Damaged, Diseased, Dying and Decayed portions of the tree and not exceeding the thirds rule. Then if you haven't exceeded the thirds rule you may prune for structure or aesthetics.

So get out there and prune your trees now, it's good for you and it's good for them.

Joe Hirsch Tree Warden, Saco Parks and Recreation Department