Generally, people don’t think about tree trimming until they deal with a weak or infested tree on their property. However, it is a necessary chore that needs to be done every once in a while to keep the trees looking strong and beautiful. With this, you can help your trees stay healthy and avoid unnecessary damage during bad weather or storms.
Now the question arises as to the best time for tree trimming, and the answer isn’t always clear-cut as it depends on the specific needs of your trees. Unfortunately, if you prune or trim improperly or at the wrong time of the year, you could actually do them more harm than good. That’s why for you to make the most informed decision about trimming trees on your property, we’ve put together this article on when to do it. Keep reading to find out!
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Best time for tree trimming: Depending on tree type
The most suitable time for trimming is between early winter and early spring, after a tree has shed its leaves and before its flowers appear. In the winter, most trees go dormant and halt their growth. That’s when trimming puts less stress on the tree, and its wounds get enough time to cure themselves properly. Also, it allows the arborists to access the branches and trim the trees more easily. If you notice any birds nest in your tree during the nesting season, then it’s best to postpone trimming for a while. Below are some tree types and the best time to trim them.
1. Deciduous trees
Deciduous trees like oak, ash, willow, and aspen shed their leaves every year as the cold season approaches. The best time to trim these trees is when they are fully dormant during late winter or early spring prior to flowering. Also, it’s vital to avoid regular pruning or trimming of deciduous trees during early winter. Without the
protection of the outer bark, the tree can become open to an insect infestation, which could be severely harmful to the tree.
2. Evergreens
Pine, fir, hollies, and magnolias are well-known evergreens with distinct shapes and sizes requiring little to no trimming. The main reason to trim an evergreen tree is to get denser and bushier growth. Most evergreens are dormant during early spring before new growth commences, so that’s the best time to get them trimmed. Evergreens also become semi-dormant during mid-summer, but it is a less preferable time for trimming.
3. Hedges
Hedges are primarily used as privacy screens, and the best time to trim them is either during spring or summer. Tidying up or cutting back the overgrown branches of the hedges is done mainly for aesthetics and keeping it within bounds. To perform hedge trimming at the appropriate time, you should know its exact type growing at your property with the assistance of your nearest arborist.
4. Young trees
Trimming young trees is essential to help them become healthy and robust in shape and size. The best time to trim the young trees is during late winter or early spring as they are about to commence their growth cycle. When you trim young trees in their formative years, it ensures that you don’t need to do excessive trimming as time goes by.
The worst possible time for tree trimming
Many people consider fall as the perfect time for trimming their trees, but this actually couldn’t be farther from the truth. As trees begin to go dormant at the start of this season, cuts take longer to heal, fungal diseases become commonplace, and the risk of infection increases substantially. With that, it’s safe to say that fall is the worst possible time for tree trimming.
When does tree trimming become essential?
Tree trimming becomes a more urgent situation when trees get too big, obscure the sunlight, cause a hindrance in outdoor recreational activities, or infringe on your neighbor’s property. Furthermore, if your tree is threatening your property or posing a safety hazard, then you should trim it irrespective of any season. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, routine trimming or pruning to remove dead or diseased limbs can be accomplished at any time during the year with little effect on the tree.
If you don’t have the time or desire to make tree trimming part of your weekend to-do list, consider outsourcing this job to a professional company. Tree Time Atlanta has experts with excellent knowledge and vast experience in trimming and maintaining trees safely and securely. Call us at your convenience to get a quote for your tree trimming.
