| Hello, Our flowering crabapple has finished flowering and we would like to know the best time to prune it. Several lower limbs need to be removed but we don't want to do it at the wrong time of the year. Thank you. P.S. Also, what is the best deterrent for rabbits....they are having a feast on our strawberries.....we don't want them harmed, we just want them to go away. |
| You can prune in June or you can prune in the winter months on a day when temperatures are above about 45 degrees. I would however caution you against removing larger branches as this can open the tree to attack by pest or disease. Also, do not remove a substantial portion of the branch structure all at once as this can encourage growth of excessive water sprouts. Rabbits can sometimes be repelled with the spray on or granular repellents labeled for rabbits (read and follow label directions for when to apply/reapply) or by sprinkling blood meal on the soil (keep it away from the berries, reapply after rain). In the long term however you may want to consider a wire mesh fence to keep them (and other animals) out of your berry patch or vegetable garden. |
