Planning on pruning this winter? Here’s how to know what to prune and when.
If you’ve already got the loppers out, remember there’s no need to worry about perennials yet. Due to unpredictable winter temperatures in San Antonio, it’s best to wait until March.
That’s because every cut you make signals a plant’s dormant cells to initiate new shoots. Pruning too early can put tender new growth at risk during a late frost.
It’s also time to stop pruning live oaks to minimize the chance of oak wilt. During the coldest days of the year, the beetles that carry the spores of the oak wilt fungus are few or unlikely to fly. But as it warms up, beginning in February, any injury to an oak — any oak — will invite beetles, especially in spring and early summer (Feb. 15-June 15). So put the pruners aside and leave your oaks alone.
If you absolutely must prune oaks (due to damage or safety), immediately paint any wound or cut and only use properly cleaned tools. Remember, oak wilt is far easier to prevent than to treat.
A final thought on all pruning: think like a surgeon. Before you begin pruning, make sure all your tools (pruners, loppers, scissors, etc.) are sharp, clean and sterile.
Try to clean them when you move from one plant to another. A precise, clean cut produces minimal damage to plant tissue, allowing it to seal quickly with reduced probability of decay.
