Q. When is the best time to prune a cherry tree?

A. The best time to prune a cherry tree or to remove dead wood is in the summer. Pruning in summer reduces the risk of introducing disease through a fresh cut. It is important to keep wounds small and to keep pruning to a minimum. It is best to shape a tree through pruning when it is young. Creating a well-shaped tree early means the tree will need little attention later. Suckers can be removed from the base of the tree in early spring. Be sure not to cut into the tree's roots when removing suckers. A Japanese flowering cherry tree should be pruned immediately after flowering or in early winter.