Knowledgebase
Hawthorn Trees #751262
Asked May 21, 2021, 11:10 AM EDT
We have three Hawthorn trees in our backyard which need trimming. I contacted a tree service about this and they told me that they couldn't trim Hawthorns until January or February when they are dormant, because trimming them in the warm months would expose them to Fire Blight. Is this accurate? Thank you.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question.
Hawthorne trees are susceptible to Fire Blight which is a bacterial disease that can infect many species of fruit trees and other trees. The bacteria can enter the tree during and after pruning. Pruning in the winter is a preventative measure to lesson the possibility of the bacteria entering the tree. If you need to remove dead branches during the growing season you should disinfect the pruning tools after each cut. Dip pruners in bleach, ethyl alcohol or spray with household disinfectants.
Here is a Fact Sheet on Fire Blight:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fire-blight-2-907/
On May 21, 2021, at 11:28 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
