The One Tree You Should Be Pruning In The Winter For A Healthier Spring

After a summer of tending to vegetables and flowerbeds, winter can be the perfect time to step back and focus on chores that keep your garden running in tip-top shape. For some people, winter garden chores may not extend beyond cleaning and storing tools while planning for the next growing season. However, if you have a quince tree growing in your yard, winter gardening can look a bit different.

Quince trees (Cydonia oblonga) can make an eye-catching addition to your yard, with stunning spring flowers that produce a fruit that's edible when properly prepared and cooked. Overall, these trees are considered low-maintenance, which makes them perfect for the gardener who wants flowers and fruit without a large amount of effort throughout the year. However, as low-maintenance as these trees are, pruning is still an important task that you should undergo annually, and winter can be the perfect time to tackle this essential garden chore that encourages new growth in the spring. This is because quince trees are dormant during the winter.

Before learning why and how to prune quince trees in winter, it's important to know what supplies you'll need. Fortunately, all you need is a pair of clean, sanitized shears or loppers to prevent spreading disease.

While some trees benefit from summer pruning to promote more flowers and fruit, quince trees are better off pruned in the winter to prevent leggy growth without impacting spring fruit. Winter pruning allows you to tackle this task while the tree is still dormant. One of the biggest pruning mistakes to avoid is cutting your fruit tree at the wrong time. If you attempt heavy pruning too early or too late in the season, your tree may not recover as well, which can lead to bigger problems later down the road. Winter pruning can also be easier and safer, especially with non-evergreen trees. Without leaves, it's easier to assess your tree and identify which branches need to go.

Being able to properly prune your tree without the help of a pro is a great way to save money on your landscaping, and it's actually quite simple. Start by following the three D rule of pruning: remove branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. While this may not contribute much to the shape of the tree if that's your goal, it does play a large role in your quince tree's health. It's also helpful to remove any branches that cross or grow inward to improve airflow for a healthier quince tree. With a few careful cuts during winter, your quince tree will reward you with stronger growth, healthier branches, and a stunning show of blooms come spring.