Common flowering trees, such as cherry, crabapple, and dogwood, provide beautiful colors in spring. Learning how to care for these trees is essential because, without proper care, they can become overgrown, too heavy, or susceptible to disease.
At Woodeez Tree Service, we know how to trim flowering trees the right way, enhancing their health and appearance while ensuring strong blooms next year.
Caring for Flowering Trees
Rochester’s changing seasons, with damp springs and heavy snow, can stress trees with flowers. Routine pruning is more than cosmetic; it is protective!
How to Prune a Flowering Tree
If you plan to prune your flowering tree, knowing where and how to make the right cuts can make all the difference between a tree that thrives and one that struggles. As your local tree experts, we do not recommend doing this yourself.
Flowering trees and fruit trees are among the most sensitive trees to pruning. Too many cuts can leave your tree patchy, with not enough leaves or blooms. More importantly, trying to trim branches high up is dangerous for your safety.
In general, here are the steps to trim flowering trees:
- Wait for the right time – See when your tree flowers, and whether you should trim in the spring or winter.
- Identify problem branches – Scan the tree for dead or broken branches that the tree does not need anymore.
- Observe the canopy – Look to see how light filters through the branches. For species like trees with pink flowers, opening the canopy lets sunlight and air circulate through the limbs.
- Schedule with a professional tree care service – Keep yourself and your tree safe by scheduling an estimate with a professional tree care company.
When to Prune Flowering Trees
A common question from flowering tree homeowners is, “When should I prune a flowering tree?” The answer depends on your tree type and its bloom cycle.
Spring-blooming trees, like cherry, magnolia, crabapple, and flowering dogwood, form their buds on the previous year’s growth. That means you should not prune the tree before the bloom happens in early spring.
The best time to prune these trees is right after the flowers fall, typically in late spring or early summer. This gives the tree enough time to heal and begin forming next year’s buds.
Late winter or early spring pruning is ideal for summer-flowering species or trees that bloom on new wood, such as Japanese tree lilacs. It encourages strong, fresh growth and well-formed blossoms during the coming season.
For fruiting species like apple trees, Rochester’s best window for pruning is in late winter, around February or March. This ensures a clean structure before the tree wakes up for the growing season and minimizes the risk of frost damage to new shoots.
Other Ways to Care for Your Flowering Trees
Additional ways to care for flowering fruit trees are to apply mulch yearly, water during dry spells, fertilize the soil, and protect from pests.
- Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch in a donut shape around the tree’s base, but never let mulch touch the trunk (this can cause rot and attract pests).
- Even mature trees need water during dry spells. During drought or heat waves, give your tree a deep soak once every 7–10 days, especially in July and August. Avoid frequent, shallow watering; deep roots support strong blooms.
- Placing fertilizer, or compost-rich soil, in late winter or early spring into the soil around the tree will help provide extra nutrients for your tree.
- Common issues in Rochester trees include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and aphids. Look for discolored leaves, curling, or early leaf drop. Neem oil or horticultural sprays (applied in the dormant season) can help prevent infestations. Regular pruning and good airflow are also crucial in preventing fungal disease!
Flowering Tree Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more information about pruning flowering trees? We’ve got you covered. If you have any further questions, call us at 585-352-8733, and we’ll be happy to help.
FAQ: When to prune an apple tree?
A: Late winter or early spring is best to trim fall-blooming flowers. This will allow you to remove cumbersome branches and ensure the future buds receive light and space.
Contact Woodeez Tree Service for Flowering Tree Care in Rochester, NY
Whether tending a flowering dogwood tree, crabapple, cherry, or even a newly planted tree with pink flowers, consistent care will reward you with vibrant blooms, healthy structure, and a tree that contributes to your property for decades.
To help with your flowering tree care needs, the Woodeez Tree Service team is just a phone call away. We offer tree assessments, care plans, and seasonal services tailored to Rochester’s unique climate.
Contact our team today!