Community Corner

Trim Trees Now, Birds Will Thank You in the Spring

Some of us at Patch were wondering when is the best time to trim our backyard trees. 

This editor's yard is dominated by an enormous "Ailanthus," otherwise known as "Tree of Heaven." 

The neighbors refer to it as "Stinky tree" due to the rancid smell of the flowers it produces every June.  

What started as a weed many years ago, has had 100 years to grow. Fast forward a century, the little weed now has a 5' diameter and its dangling branches crowd the adjacent trees.

Wondering when to trim the tree, we reached out to the Audubon Society for advice.

“There’s always a risk of destroying nests if you prune or take down trees during the spring and early summer nesting season, particularly the nests of birds that live in holes and tree cavities, such as woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches," said Alex Brash, president of Connecticut Audubon Society.

According to Brash, there's another reason to keep your shears in storage for a ittle while longer. 

"It’s also better for the trees if you prune in late fall or winter, when they are dormant; the cuts heal faster with less sap loss and fewer insect and disease problems," Brash said.

The ailanthus has waited 100 years, so a bit longer won't hurt.


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