UMN Extension - Morrison County Master Gardeners

22/07/2025

19/04/2025

Oaks should be pruned by now — they should not be pruned in April, May, or June due to the potential for oak wilt infection. Apple trees, including crabapples, should be pruned any time between February and early April because spring or summer pruning will increase the chance for infections and/or the spread of fire blight. Trees that have free-flowing sap, such as maples, butternut, walnut, birch, ironwood, and blue beech can be pruned when their leaves are fully expanded in late spring or early summer to prevent bleeding. Remember not to remove more than one-fourth of the live foliage.

Although there are a few exceptions, evergreens need little pruning. Different types of evergreens should be pruned according to their varied growth habits. Spruces and firs do not grow continuously but can be pruned any time because they have lateral (side) buds that will sprout if the terminal (tip) buds are removed. It's probably best to prune them in late winter, before growth begins. Some spring pruning, however, is not harmful.

Pines only put out a single flush of tip growth each spring and then stop growing. Prune before these "candles" of new needles become mature. Pines do not have lateral buds, so removing terminal buds will take away new growing points for that branch. Eventually, this will leave dead stubs. Pines seldom need pruning, but if you want to promote more dense growth, remove up to two-thirds of the length of newly expanded candles. Don't prune further back than the current year's growth.

Arborvitae, junipers, yews and hemlocks grow continuously throughout the growing season. They can be pruned any time through the middle of summer. Even though these plants will tolerate heavy shearing, their natural form is usually most desirable, so prune only to correct growth defects. Arborvitae won’t grow back from pruning behind the green growth.

Article by Jennifer Knutson, UMN Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, as published in the Brainerd Dispatch on April 12th, 2025. To get your other gardening questions answered in print, email [email protected]

18/09/2024

Thinking about becoming a Master Gardener?? Check it out! Many people love the experience and education that comes from learning and teaching 🌱

Find out how to apply to be a Master Gardener and register for the core course.

23/08/2024

Always something fun to do in the yard…🌱

Check out some of these late summer ideas:

There's still plenty to do in the garden before wrapping up the season.

02/08/2024

Come visit us at The Green Fair Folk Festival

Sisters to lead tours of Sacred Heart Chapel during Green Fair Folk Festival!

Tours will start every 20 minutes, 4:30 - 7:10 p.m. Come explore and learn together. Gather at the exterior chapel entrance.

16/07/2024

There are a few seats left on the bus trip scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd. Registrations can be taken through Thursday, July 18th. If interested, please contact Gloria at U of M Extension in Morrison County at 320-632-0161.

Send a message to learn more

01/03/2024

Coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled for a new how-to video on pruning apple trees. Luckily, these Master Gardener Volunteers were able to film before this cold snap.

01/03/2024

Plants coming out of dormancy too soon can experience cold damage. Learn what Extension educators expect this to mean for gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs.