# Pruning calendar by tree type

Find a planning window by tree type using University of Minnesota Extension. The advice has a Minnesota climate and disease context. Confirm the species and local guidance before scheduling work.

Use the tool on the [web page](https://arborists.fyi/tools/pruning-calendar). It works without JavaScript.

## How to use it

1. Choose tree type.
2. Choose reason for pruning.
3. Read the result.

## How it works

University of Minnesota Extension, Pruning trees and shrubs, fetched 2026-11-10: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs. Source for late dormant pruning, February to early April for apples, expanded leaves for maple and birch, after-flowering pruning, and conifer growth-stage advice.

University of Minnesota Extension, Oak wilt in Minnesota, fetched 2026-11-10: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/oak-wilt-minnesota. It identifies November through March as SAFE, April through July as HIGH and August through October as LOW seasonal risk in Minnesota. It warns that spring risk varies by season and location.

The general pruning page advises avoiding oak pruning from April to October. This tool uses the November through March overlap as a conservative planning band for routine work. SAFE is the source label, not a guarantee that a particular operation is safe.

Tree type selects a source-based reference window. The tool computes no date or pruning quantity. Every routine result includes a local-advice prompt. Urgent damage replaces routine timing with an assessment prompt.

> Planning guidance only. No tree inspection is performed. Ask a qualified local arborist about urgent hazards, disease and species-specific work. Do not use this as climbing or cutting instruction.

## Questions

### Can I use this as a universal pruning calendar?

No. It summarizes Minnesota guidance. Local climate, species, disease restrictions and tree condition can change timing.

### Should I paint every pruning cut?

The extension pruning guide says dressing is not normally needed. Oak wilt is a disease-specific exception to discuss with a local arborist.