When to Prune Trees in Thunder Bay: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Pruning trees at the right time is essential to keep them healthy, safe, and productive. In Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario, seasonal changes, harsh winters, and summer storms make proper timing especially important. Pruning at the wrong time can stress the tree, increase disease risk, or reduce fruit production.

1. Late Winter / Early Spring (Before Bud Break)

Ideal for most deciduous trees: Pruning during dormancy reduces stress and allows trees to focus energy on new spring growth.

Advantages:

• Cuts heal faster during active growth

• Easier to see tree structure without leaves

• Reduces the risk of disease spread in many species

Best for: Maple, birch, ash, and many ornamental deciduous trees.

ISA Tip: Always make clean cuts just outside the branch collar and avoid leaving stubs, which can cause decay.

2. Summer Pruning (After Growth Starts)

Purpose: Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and control growth of fast-growing trees.

Advantages:

• Reduces weight on storm-damaged branches

• Improves sunlight and airflow

• Shapes the tree without stimulating excessive new growth in winter

Best for: Poplar, ornamental trees, and selectively for fruit trees after harvest to manage size and structure.

ISA Tip: Avoid heavy cuts that remove more than 25% of the canopy at once; thin gradually for tree health.

3. Fruit Tree Pruning (ISA-Compliant Guidelines)

Fruit trees need careful timing to maximize production and maintain tree health.

Spring Pruning (Late Winter to Early Spring, Dormant Stage):

• Best for most apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees before buds swell

• Removes dead, damaged, or diseased wood

• Shapes the tree for better sunlight exposure, air circulation, and fruiting

Summer Pruning (After Fruit Set / Post-Harvest):

• Helps control vigorous growth

• Opens the canopy to improve light penetration and fruit quality

• Removes suckers and water sprouts

ISA Tips for Fruit Trees:

• Avoid pruning during wet conditions to reduce disease risk

• Make clean cuts just above lateral branches or buds

• Maintain a central leader or open-center structure depending on the species

• Remove only 20–30% of live wood per 3 – 5 years for mature trees to prevent stress

4. Avoid Fall Pruning

• Fall pruning can stimulate growth that won’t harden before winter

• Increases susceptibility to frost, disease, and pest damage

• Cuts may not heal properly before freezing temperatures

5. Why Regular Pruning Matters

• Safety: Removes dead or hazard branches that could fall during wind, snow, or ice events

• Tree Health: Prevents decay, disease, and pest infestations

• Wind Resistance: Thinning and selective pruning help trees withstand strong winds

• Aesthetics & Productivity: Keeps trees shaped and allows sunlight to reach lawns, gardens, and fruit-bearing branches

6. Professional Pruning Services

Mitigoog Solutions offers:

• Routine pruning for tree health and growth

• Hazard branch removal for safety

• Thinning and shaping to improve wind resistance and structure

• Fruit tree pruning following ISA guidelines for healthy growth and improved fruit yield

• Storm damage cleanup to repair broken or damaged limbs

7. Local Tips for Thunder Bay Homeowners

• Inspect trees after winter and summer storms

• Remove dead or leaning branches promptly

• Schedule pruning early spring or mid-summer

• Call professionals for large trees, hard to reach branches, or hazardous trees

Pruning at the right time and using proper techniques ensures your trees remain strong, healthy, and safe. Contact Mitigoog Solutions today to schedule professional pruning and protect your property and fruit trees in Thunder Bay.