Tree Trimming and Pruning - When?

While Winter strips away the vibrant leaves of trees down to their bare bones, it is this season that is best to consider trimming and pruning.  As Spring approaches, you will want to make sure your trees are healthy to support the new season's growth.  It is important to know when trees can be trimmed to keep them healthy for the long-terms while preparing them for the upcoming season of growth.  To provide you with further information, we have addressed most of your common questions regarding tree trimming and pruning.

When is the best time to trim and prune?

You should trim or prune your trees any time between autumn and leaf-out in the Spring. This is when you tree is largely dominant and can most easily recover from pruning and trimming.   You may think this is the worst time as you can't see the shape or determine dead branches from healthy, but an experience, skilled arborist will have no problems properly trimming and pruning despite a tree looking bare.   Also, remember a tree's typical trimming or pruning cycle is between 3 and 5 years, but species, size, and condition (health) are critical factors in determine the exact time frame.

Why is the winter months the best time?

In late autumn and winters, all trees begin their dormant phase, which stops growth.  The inactivity with lowering temperatures provide a great setting for trimming and pruning.  Remember, if you prune or trim in the Spring, while the tree is growing and flowing, you might reduce the tree's growth potential that year.   Further, a winter hard ground reduced damage to surrounding plants and lawns and also provides the arborist with safe, easy access to the tree.   Refer to our trimming and pruning graphic relative to tips and suggestions on pruning and trimming trees in the winter.