Dead branches on Quercus bicolor - Ask Extension
Dear Colorado Extension Agent: We have a Quercus bicolor that we planted in our SE Fort Collins yard about 20 years ago. A few years ago, I noticed c...
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Dead branches on Quercus bicolor #850771
Asked September 21, 2023, 1:38 PM EDT
Dear Colorado Extension Agent:
We have a Quercus bicolor that we planted in our SE Fort Collins yard about 20 years ago. A few years ago, I noticed chlorosis. Larimer County Master Gardener Mary Munro helped me identify that it also has anthracnose. I think it's much better after a few years of the recommended EDDHA iron treatment; however, it has several dead branches including at the top of the tree. Would pruning encourage new growth, and if so, when is the best time to do that?
Thank you very much,
Karen
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Karen,
Pruning out any dead branches is always a good practice. In this case, pruning will not only help shape the overall tree and provide some structural branches as it grows, but also help remove some dead branches.
The best time to prune is during the dormant season (February-March) and prior to budbreak. I would recommend that you have a certified arborist do the pruning, since you'll be more than six feet off the ground and you're starting structural pruning for the tree.
Pruning can stimulate new growth, but in this case, the pruning will focus on shaping and providing structure. We have a very lengthy publication on this: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/613.pdf
Pruning out any dead branches is always a good practice. In this case, pruning will not only help shape the overall tree and provide some structural branches as it grows, but also help remove some dead branches.
The best time to prune is during the dormant season (February-March) and prior to budbreak. I would recommend that you have a certified arborist do the pruning, since you'll be more than six feet off the ground and you're starting structural pruning for the tree.
Pruning can stimulate new growth, but in this case, the pruning will focus on shaping and providing structure. We have a very lengthy publication on this: https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/613.pdf
