As homeowners know, spring is often the busiest season. The snow thaws and our gardens are exposed, glaringly in need of cleaning, trimming, and rejuvenation. 

The winter can be hard on our trees as well. Knowing when and how to prune them is an essential part of their health, ensuring that they flourish and thrive. So, why is it one of the most neglected aspects of yard work? While many of us carefully trim our perennials and shrubs, the thought of overcutting and accidentally damaging a beautiful, hearty tree can feel intimidating. However, when armed with a few tips, tree pruning can be easily done and the results are worth it! 

Why prune in late winter and early spring?

According to Mitchell Watt, plant supervisor at Sheridan Nurseries in Oakville, early spring is a great time to refresh overgrown shrubs and trees to help promote healthy new growth. “Pruning before the buds break leads to something we call ‘optimum wound closure’,” he says, “It allows the trees to heal from being cut before warmer weather sets in.”  

Another important reason to trim in early spring is that it allows pruners to assess the tree structure before the new buds emerge. That way you can clearly see where it is overgrown and in need of refreshing. It is also easier to identify any branches that may have sustained damage or disease over the long winter months.

Flowering and deciduous trees

Flowering fruit trees and deciduous trees are best pruned in late winter and early spring before buds, leaves, or blossoms appear. Since trees store their energy in their root system, pruning in late winter or early spring (while the tree is considered “dormant”), encourages vigorous growth to the branches that are left once spring arrives. For fruit trees, this means better quality fruit and bountiful yield. Also, don’t be afraid to trim aggressively! The harder the cutting, the greater the response to new growth will be. 

If your tree is too large and you want to curb its growth, pruning after it has blossomed will help slow growth down and enable you to keep the tree to a more manageable size. 

There is a small group of trees and shrubs that should not be trimmed in spring, including forsythia, lilac, magnolia, and hydrangeas. These types of plants develop their buds prior to spring and also grow buds on old wood. Trim these trees in the autumn. 

Evergreens

Evergreen pruning differs slightly from other trees. Watt recommends pruning all evergreens — except pine — in early spring before any new growth starts. This means following the natural branching pattern of the tree to cut away any winter damage, as well as trimming dead foliage. This will help preserve the original shape of the tree. 

With broadleaf evergreens like cedar and boxwood a process known as “selective pruning”, or trimming one branch at a time, will give better long-term results than over trimming. Aesthetically, regular shearing will give evergreens a fuller, denser look over time. 

When to DIY and when to leave it to professionals 

With the correct tools, pruning and reshaping a tree is a simple DIY project. But, when should we call in professionals?

Jessica, from TERRA Greenhouses in Burlington, says that pruning for cosmetic reasons is almost always a do-it-yourself task. Another time to wield the shears is when small or medium trees begin to develop suckers at their base. Since suckers are closest to the root system where the tree stores its energy, they divert it from the main plant and focus it on themselves. “Over time, you’ll start to lose the beauty of the original tree that you carefully chose and invested in,” Jessica says. 

The arborists at Davey Tree Experts in Burlington have a rule of thumb — if you have to work from any great height, call in a professional! They caution that the consequences of unskilled pruning aren’t just aesthetic. The structural integrity of the tree can be compromised and turn it into a danger during storms, leaving it susceptible to lost branches or even uprooting.

Another reason to call in help is if the tree is showing signs of real sickness or disease that needs to be treated. An arborist can also help if it has been many years since your tree was pruned. They can give it a good reshaping and, with their guidance, homeowners can maintain it afterward.  

by Kristen Psihogios

Local Links

Terra Green Houses
Terragreenhouses.com

Sheridan Nurseries
Sheridannurseries.com

Davey Tree
Daveytree.ca/burlington

The fireplace has been an important part of the home for centuries. Once relied on for cooking and warmth, the fireplace has come a long way from being a necessity to becoming an art piece. While fireplaces these days are less of a functional necessity, there are new trends in both style and performance that continue to make them a focal point in the home. 

“Customers update their fireplace for many reasons,” says Nicole McKenzie from Hearthland Fireplaces Inc. in Burlington. “Some are retrofitting their wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace, and others are simply removing dated brass louvers.” Modern fireplaces are taller than classic or aging fireplaces, which can mean that mantels also require some updating at the same time. “Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and pre-cast mantels are the leading materials for a mantel upgrade,” Nicole adds. “In modern or contemporary homes, natural finished oak veneers are the most popular finish for the beam if the wall is not being finished with a porcelain slab tile from floor to ceiling.”  

When tasked with refacing or updating your fireplace, there is more to take into consideration than what materials to use for the project. Hearthland recommends that homeowners consider what a finished space will look like, as this can alter the appearance and type of fireplace one chooses. Other possible considerations include hanging artwork or a TV above the mantel, how much heat should come from the fireplace, and how the fireplace design will fit the overall style of the home. 

Tony Valentine from Inspired Home in Burlington adds, “When deciding whether or not to renovate your fireplace, consider the energy efficiency of your current system and whether your fireplace will be used for heat or ambiance.” When it comes to energy-efficient fireplaces, gas options have classic wood-burning fireplaces beat. Gas fireplaces are clean energy-burning and do not rely on electricity to run. They’re also an eco-friendlier way to heat your home and have the ability to function without a chimney, making this a popular option for condo/small space living as well as full-sized dwellings. 

As for 2020 trends, the linear fireplace (rectangular in shape) is expected to continue to dominate the renovation scene. “We are seeing a trend for traditional homeowners purchasing a linear fireplace and using interior log options to add a traditional touch to their newly purchased modern piece. Choosing the logs, glass embers, and other details for the final project is the fun part with making a fireplace your own” says Nicole.  “People tend to go for those traditional looks,” Tony adds. “The very popular design is the linear looking fireplace with an open view on the sides.”   

The other trend for 2020 – large and in charge. Traditional gas fireplaces are expanding in size, adding a prestige to the home that smaller fireplaces can’t match. Light stonework is being used to accentuate darker inserts. Woods and stones are also being mixed – whether it’s a light stone and dark wood, or white wood and darker stone. The goal is to brighten the space while also drawing your attention to the frame of the fireplace. In addition, smart remotes are being incorporated into newer fireplace models, which allows temperature control from the click of a button. 

For those who may be looking to renovate but are working within a budget, there are many options available. Tony recommends using new stone facades or tiles to clad an existing fireplace or installing a new mantel using wood materials or pre-cast stone. Another option is to paint over old brick while also adding a new mantel.

Whether you are chasing after the hottest trends for your new fireplace or simply looking to restore it to its natural glory, remember to have fun with your renovation. The fireplace is a hot-spot of the home and your renovation doesn’t have to leave you feeling cold. 

by Victoria Jones

Local Links

Inspired Home Design and Renovation, Burlington
Studiovbydesign.com

Hearthland Fireplaces Inc, Burlington
Hearthland.com

Felco Fireplace and Mantel, Oakville
Felcofireplace.com