What is the Best Time of Year to Trim Trees?

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​It is essential to understand when the best time of year is to trim trees on your property as a property owner. Improper tree trimming can not only lead to expensive property damage but also poses a serious safety hazard. The following is a guide to help you understand when the best time of year is to trim trees on your property.

Trim Trees Before New Growth Begins

​The best time of year to trim most trees is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is because trimming will remove the least amount of leafy branches and will be less likely to damage the tree. In addition, most insects and diseases are dormant in winter, so there is less chance of the tree becoming infected.

A few exceptions can benefit from winter or early spring trimming. These include:

Ash trees that have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, a beetle that spreads and multiplies quickly and can kill ash trees in 3-5 years. It is recommended to remove at least half of the branches down to the last healthy major branch on an infested ash tree in late winter or early spring while the Emerald Ash Borer is dormant. This should be done every year until no major branches remain. Once this has been accomplished, prune these dead branches back to fresh wood at their origin for two feet up the trunk until all large branches are removed below the point where they intersect with small branches (forked appearance).

Trim Throughout Summer and Winter

Evergreens that have been affected by White Pine Weevil, which can kill a tree in 3-5 years. Prune removes the lowest third of the tree and tips of branches at least 6 inches from healthy wood while the white pine weevil is dormant (late winter or early spring). It is essential to monitor such trees annually since all major branches should be pruned back to the trunk every year until no large branches remain. Once this has been accomplished, prune these dead branches back to fresh wood at their origin for two feet up the trunk until all large branches are removed below a point where they intersect with small branches (forked appearance).

​Trim During Summer Only

Willows that have been infected with leaf rust or silver leaf. Prune to remove the lowest third of the tree and tips of branches at least 6 inches from healthy wood while leaf rust is dormant (late winter or early spring). It is also recommended to prune back leaves that show silver, brown, or black discoloration on summer shoots or buds since this indicates disease within the willow branch.

​Trim Throughout Summer and Winter

​The best time to prune other trees depends on their specific characteristics. For instance, if your oak tree has thin bark that can be easily damaged during trimming, then it should ideally be trimmed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins for this reason alone. If conditions allow, try to wait until after trees have started to leaf out before pruning so that the tree's energy resources go towards growing leaves rather than healing wounds created by trimming.
Some trees such as linden and maple should only be trimmed in late winter or early spring. These plants produce sap during their growth periods and can cause chemical burns and damage to plants if they bleed excessively while you attempt to trim them in summer or winter.

Getting Started With St. Pete Tree Service

For more information on when the best time of year is to trim trees, don't hesitate to contact St. Pete Tree Service, who will assess your planting site and provide expert advice on when the best time of year is to trim trees optimal health. Call us at 636-278-9711 or Contact Us. We look forward to serving you.