(Question)
Is it safe to cut a big branch off a locust tree at this time of year? The tree is 30ft. tall and the branch is around 6ft. off the ground. Should we paint the wound if we do cut it off to prevent disease?
(Answer)
The best time to prune any tree is in the winter to minimize any risk of disease and to allow the wound to dry out. Avoid pruning trees in the fall since decay fungi spores are in their most plentiful state and the risk on infection is highest. We no longer paint tree wounds. We allow them to heal naturally.