Question From: C. Litka - MICHIGAN
Q: I had three twenty foot crabapples pruned two years ago. They have now sprouted suckers at every cut that have grown six feet high. I was told by a friend that if I had had these pruned in the winter this would not have happened. True? How can I avoid this problem as the cost of pruning every year is too much and the trees are getting huge. Thanks.
These trees are best pruned in late winter or very early spring. The trees may also be reacting to improper pruning techniques. An onsite inspection from a certified arborist would be helpful. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy