Pole saws allow for extended reach with a long handle, but they must.

best time to trim oak trees in mn Mar 14, If you have oaks in your landscape that need pruning and you live in an area of Minnesota where oak wilt occurs, pruning must be done before the oak wilt fungus and it's insect vector become active. Oak wilt is a fatal disease of oak trees that can be found in some counties of Minnesota.

As young trees grow, remove lower branches gradually to raise the crown, and remove branches that are too closely spaced on the trunk.

If you live in an area where oak wilt occurs, it is critical to prune oak trees before the high risk infection period begins in April. Oak trees should be pruned in the winter months when the trees are dormant and beetles are inactive to prevent the spread of oak wilt.

Winter pruning is also great for arborists as the harder ground provides them easier access to trees and the bare canopy makes branches easier to see and handle. Many problems may be prevented by pruning correctly during the formative years for a tree or shrub. The late dormant season is the best time for most pruning.

Remove suckers coming up from the roots or low on the trunk.

Prune to promote plant health Remove dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage. Sep 21, The University of Minnesota Forestry Department posts the oak wilt risk levels for pruning oaks: high risk in April through June, low risk in July through October, and no risk in November through March.

You can safely prune Minnesota oaks in winter and take appropriate precautions as needed to protect the health of your tree.