Early Spring Tree Pruning in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
- Kirk Miller
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
🌳 Early Spring Weather in Minnesota: What It Means for Your Trees (and When to Prune)
With the unusually nice weather we’ve been having in Minnesota, many homeowners are looking at their trees and wondering, “Is it too early to prune?” In fact, this early spring warm-up is actually a great opportunity to get ahead on tree care.
As trees begin to wake up from dormancy, this is the perfect time to prune certain species to encourage strong, healthy growth for the season ahead. Early spring pruning helps reduce disease risk, improve structure, and set your trees up for success.
🌿 Why Early Spring Is a Great Time to Prune
During early spring:
Trees are just starting to emerge from dormancy, so wounds heal faster
There’s minimal leaf cover, making it easier to see and shape the tree’s structure
You can prevent common issues like crowded branches, weak limbs, and storm breakage
🌲 Trees That Benefit Most from Early Spring Pruning
Not all trees should be pruned right now, but here are a few that thrive with early spring attention:
🍏 Fruit Trees (Apple, Crabapple, Pear, etc.)
Early pruning sets the stage for a more productive growing season
Helps shape the tree, improves airflow, and encourages better fruiting
🌳 Maple, Ash, Linden, and Other Deciduous Trees
These trees respond well to early spring pruning
It’s a great time to thin out crowded limbs, remove dead wood, and improve overall shape
Note on Elm Trees: While it’s traditionally recommended to prune elms only during the dormant season to avoid disease spread, many experts now believe early spring pruning is safe when done professionally and with proper sanitation practices. We stay up to date with current guidance and prune accordingly.
❌ Trees No Longer in Season for Pruning
Some species are best left alone for now — namely:
Oak trees, which are vulnerable to oak wilt once temperatures rise
Late-stage elm pruning may carry a small risk if done during bug season, but again, it depends on the tree and conditions
🧤 We’re Booking Spring Tree Pruning Appointments Now!
With the early arrival of warm weather, our spring schedule is filling up fast. If you’ve been thinking about getting your fruit trees in shape or giving your mature trees a cleanup, now’s the time.
Contact us today to schedule a spring pruning appointment or request a walk-through of your property.Let’s keep your trees strong, safe, and beautiful all season long.
Watch for additional blog posts:
*Why Structural Pruning Matters for Young Trees
*Storm Season Prep: Tree Hazards to Address Now
*Ash Trees - Does my Ash Tree have Emerlad Ash Bore? How to deal with it!
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