Should You Prune Trees in Spring?

Spring is when everything comes back to life—flowers bloom, birds sing, and trees burst with fresh green growth. But does that mean it’s the right time to prune your trees? The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. At Masters Tree Care Experts, we get this question a lot from homeowners across Lee’s Summit. Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of spring pruning so your trees stay healthy, strong, and beautiful.

Why Spring Pruning Can Be a Good Idea (Sometimes)

Spring pruning has its perks—especially for cleaning up after winter.

Here’s when spring pruning makes sense:

Post-Winter Cleanup: Removing branches damaged by snow or ice helps trees heal faster.
Shaping Young Trees: It’s easier to guide a tree’s form while it’s still growing.
Deadwooding: Spotting and removing dead branches is easier once leaves start appearing.
Fruit Tree Maintenance: Some fruit trees benefit from early spring pruning to boost fruit quality and airflow.

Tip: If you missed your winter pruning window, spring can be your next best bet—especially early in the season before too much growth starts.

When Spring Pruning Can Hurt More Than Help

While pruning in spring can be useful, it’s not ideal for every tree—or every situation.

Here’s when to hit pause:

Sap-Heavy Trees (like Maples, Birches, and Elms): Pruning in early spring causes heavy sap bleeding, which can stress the tree (even if it’s not harmful long-term).
Flowering Trees (like Dogwoods or Redbuds): Pruning after buds appear means fewer blooms. For these, wait until right after flowering.
Oak Trees: Spring pruning can invite oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease. Stick to winter pruning to stay safe.

Common Tree Types in Lee’s Summit & Their Spring Pruning Needs

Here’s a quick guide to local favorites:

Tree Type	Spring Pruning?	Best Time to Prune
Oak	❌ No	Late winter only (to avoid disease)
Maple	⚠️ With caution	Late summer is better
Apple/Pear	✅ Yes	Late winter to early spring
Crape Myrtle	✅ Yes	Late winter to early spring
Dogwood	⚠️ After bloom	Prune immediately after flowering

If you’re not sure, we’re happy to take a look. The wrong timing can cost your tree its health—or its life.

How to Prune Properly in Spring (If You Do It)

Spring growth can tempt DIYers to grab clippers—but pruning isn’t just about cutting branches. It’s about knowing where to cut and how much. Too many cuts in spring can rob your tree of energy needed for new growth.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Use clean, sharp tools to avoid disease spread.
Cut just outside the branch collar (the thickened base where the branch meets the trunk).
Never remove more than 10-15% of the live canopy in spring.

Or save yourself the guesswork and call in Masters Tree Care Experts. Our certified arborists use ANSI-approved techniques that protect your tree’s long-term health.

What Happens If You Prune at the Wrong Time?

Bad timing doesn’t just reduce blooms or stunt growth. It can cause:

Heat stress during summer
Insect and disease invasion
Weak branch structure
Permanent damage or decline

If your tree has already been pruned poorly, don’t worry. Our team offers corrective pruning to restore balance and encourage healthy regrowth.