Fall is the best time of year to prune trees that have related pathogens. Fireblight and Dutch Elm disease are two diseases that have to be taken care of in the dormant season.

Fireblight:
Many homeowners see the effects of fireblight in the summer time and become anxious to do something about it, but unfortunately, pruning infected trees during the growing season can make a bad situation even worse. The likelihood of spreading the infection through pruning cuts is high even when special care is taken to clean and sanitize your tools. The dormant season offers a lull in the disease’s activity and mobility in the environment. The signs and symptoms of fireblight are also very easy to recognize in the dormant season because the affected tissue often retains the diseased leaf material. Since the rest of the leaves have fallen off, it is easier to ensure that more of the pathogen will be removed.

Dutch Elm Disease:
Similarly, pruning our beautiful American Elm trees in the dormant season is also ideal. The cold temperatures assure us that the disease is dormant, and also that the vectoring insect is not present. When spring comes, the trees have time to begin healing the wounds created during the pruning before the beetles begin to spread the disease again. The healthier the trees are, the less likely they are to be attacked by the beetles and infected by Dutch Elm disease.

Give Mountain High Tree a call at 303.232.0666 and we will be happy to help with tree service.

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