Why Winter Is a Great Time for Pruning Trees

Published On: January 31st, 20222.9 min read

You’re probably not thinking about your trees much now that winter is here and the leaves have all fallen. Believe it or not, now would be the time to consider tree trimming. Pruning is best done in the winter.

Read below to find out the benefits of tree pruning in winter months.

Beating the Pests

Many of the pests and diseases that might infect trees through pruning cuts are also dormant throughout the winter. This makes winter pruning ideal.

However, for certain trees, winter is the only season to think about pruning. Oaks are a good example since they are particularly vulnerable to insect infestations and oak wilt, a fungal disease that may be quite damaging.

Trees Do Get Stressed

Pruning during the active growing season can put your trees under stress. It can also stimulate new growth that won’t be able to harden before the weather cools.

During the winter, trees go dormant, making it the ideal time to do dormant pruning. Trees may heal more quickly because they have larger energy stores.

Increase the Trees Yield

Pruning when the tree’s leaves have all fallen off makes it easy to see the optimum spots to prune to keep the tree’s structural integrity.

It also makes vulnerable areas, such as broken or diseased branches, easier to notice. This improves the efficiency of your trimming, resulting in a healthier tree and reduced danger.

Tree Pruning in Winter Makes Your Property Prettier

Winter tree maintenance and pruning allow you to shape your trees so that they grow in the best way possible for your property, whether it’s to prevent interfering with structures or walkways, or to promote or restrain growth. Pruning your trees in the winter is also beneficial to nearby plant material, as most of it is dormant and hence less likely to be disturbed.

Additionally, because the ground is firmer, there is less possibility of equipment creating soil compaction.

Improves Tree Safety

In the winter, trees that are damaged, dead, or dying can be dangerous, especially when we have storms that bring wind, ice, or snow. Dormant pruning is done to remove any potential problems before the trees endanger the safety of your home and family. It also rejuvenates weaker trees by removing dead and diseased wood, making them safer.

Is Winter the Only Season to Prune Trees?

No, you can still prune and cut back trees in Spring and Summer, although there are often different reasons for pruning.

Here are a few warm weather pruning benefits.

  • Removing deadwood that is difficult to identify in the winter (on some tree species, it is difficult to tell if a limb is dead until the emergence from tree dormancy)
  • Improving the tree’s overall appearance once it has leafed out
  • Improve air circulation and to allow more light into the interior, open up the tree
  • Cutting back shrubs and trees that have grown too large or are in the way

Some underlying flaws are not visible or cannot be noticed until the tree has fully leafed out, while other concerns emerge as the tree grows. Branches and trees that are dead, damaged, or sick should, of course, be removed as soon as possible, regardless of the season.

Get Cutting!

If you are apprehensive of tree pruning in winter months, take it slowly or call in the services of a professional tree surgeon. Contact us today to request a tree services estimate for your property!

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Garren Averett
Garren Averett
2022-05-25
These guys are FANTASTIC. Justin, Lindsey, their entire crew really great!! When Justin stopped by to take a look, he listened to what we wanted to accomplish, made suggestions on what to take, leave or just trim. His crew came as expected, did a GREAT job!! If it wasn't for the sign and missing trees you would never have known they were here. I could go on and on. Thank you!!!
MICHAEL GOSSELIN
MICHAEL GOSSELIN
2022-05-20
I used Arbortech Tree Inc., to remove some trees in my yard. This Company was unbelievably awesome, from first call to final clean up. Thank you Arbortech, you will be getting more business from me in the near future... and an A+ recommendation to whomever ask or needs Tree Removal. Thanks Mike Gosselin (Coventry)
Bob Sheryl Kelly
Bob Sheryl Kelly
2022-05-18
We were so impressed with the whole team from Arbortech. Justin the owner was the first to respond to our quotes and was a pleasure to speak with, the office people, Lindsey, kept us up to date and we had the 'A' Team - Paul, Pete and Eric. The best way for me to describe the 'A' team is they are like artists. From their skill to their coordination to friendliness and beautiful clean up. . Marvel to watch. Would highly recommend this company and will use again in the future.
Patricia Cortes
Patricia Cortes
2022-05-16
Very Happy with their customer service. There was a large dead tree pretty near my garage, the neighbor's garage, and another neighbor's home that really needed to get taken down. They came out and had it down in a few hours, had everything cleaned up right after. I plan to use them again myself and would definitely recommend them!
Roxanne Oakley
Roxanne Oakley
2022-05-16
This is the second time we have used Arbortech to trim and cut down trees in our yard. After taking his time looking at the trees in question, Justin gave us his professional opinion as an arborist as to the work that needed to be done. The job was scheduled and the crew arrived promptly and did an amazing job! Paul accomplished much of this high up in the bucket equipment because of the height of the trees that needed to be taken down. It was incredible watching the men all work together. At the end of the job, the yard was cleaned up and the crew made sure we were happy with all their work. As an added bonus, we got a follow up call to make sure all had gone well, something you don't encounter much anymore! I highly recommend Arbortech for their knowledge and professionalism!!
Brendan O'Brien
Brendan O'Brien
2022-05-09
I have used Arbortech now multiple times at my house and wouldn't use any other tree service company. Justin is fantastic to work with, he and his team were always incredibly professional, helpful, knowledgeable and just great to work with. For our most recent job, both Justin and Lindsey worked with us to meet a tight deadline for some other work we were having completed. Thank you again for all your help, we really appreciate it!!
Peter Kelly
Peter Kelly
2022-04-29
Another fantastic job by Justin's biz: Arbortech Tree Inc. Today 3 guys came and cut up and stacked a bunch of 8'-10'' lengths of the trees that were felled a couple of months ago. These guys don't rest until the work is done. They worked efficiently and safely. Totally recommend these guys. Thanks!!
Jennifer Todisco
Jennifer Todisco
2022-04-28
Arbortech just took down three trees in my yard and I couldn’t be more pleased! Great price, came when they promised, and cleaned up so it looked like the trees had never been there! Highly recommend!
Carrie Kelley
Carrie Kelley
2022-04-25
Excellent service from start to finish!
Michele Pellegrino
Michele Pellegrino
2022-04-10
We've used Arbortech Tree for two large jobs at our property. They were great to work with. Their team was well skilled with handling the removal of large trees that were near our home. They communicated well throughout the scheduling of the job. I would highly recommend Arbortech!