Be sure to check the manufacturers' instructions on all chemical products. Avoid overhead or heavy watering while treating the live material. The prime time for repotting activities is March and April. It is advisable to remove portions of the old foliage as well as the heavier old roots to encourage new growth. Root divisions which are formed whenever a root cut takes place will provide for better nutrient absorption.
Branch trimming allows new branch divisions and desired branch twiggyness.
Deciduous trees such as Japanese maple, trident maple, gingko and liquid amber can now be trimmed. Flowering and fruiting trees such as pomegranates, ume, plum, apple, quince, and bougainvillea should not be trimmed in early spring since this destroys the new forming flower buds. If you wait too long into late April, it is prudent to hold off until the new spring growth has hardened, and the woody branches are more liquified. If you choose to wait until May to do any serious pruning, then control any rampant growth by pinching and nipping the terminal buds on each branch. This restraint will encourage the formation of side branches and create a more dense foliage mass.