When to prune elm (Dutch elm disease timing)
Late winter, while dormant (before buds break). Dormant-season pruning avoids attracting the elm bark beetles that spread Dutch elm disease.
| Type | tree |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | n/a |
| Bloom season | n/a |
| When to prune | Late winter, while dormant (before buds break) |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Spring through summer (April–August in the North).
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | Jan 13–Feb 24 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | Jan 27–Mar 10 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | Feb 4–Mar 18 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | Feb 13–Mar 27 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | Mar 5–Apr 16 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | Jan 16–Feb 27 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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Sources
- University of Minnesota Extension: Pruning trees and shrubs
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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