Ask the question, “When should trees be trimmed?” and you’ll get various answers. Some believe fall is the best time, while others think late winter is ideal. However, most agree that summer is not the right time unless you have diseased branches. 

According to tree service contractors in Salisbury, NC, the answer depends on your experience, the conditions, and the type of tree. Fall could well be worse than summer because this is when the trees start to store nutrients for their dormant seasons. Lopping off the wrong branches could severely impact the tree’s vitality in spring. 

Tree pruning should always be about the health of your mature trees. Here are some tips to ensure you start your trimming on the right foot. 

Call in a Professional

Get professional assistance if you’re a novice or have no idea what species you have. The cost is reasonable compared to the expense of removing and replacing dead trunks and the potential damage related to falling tree branches. 

The experts can answer, “When should trees be trimmed?” with absolute certainty because they understand the different species, their unique needs, and what to look for in terms of health. They will: 

• Identify your trees
• Evaluate their health
• Make the first cuts 
• Recommend a pruning schedule for the future. 
• Suggest additional feeding regimens and health improvements for the tree

Trim for General Health

The aim of pruning here is to remove branches that are: 

• Infested
• Dead 
• Weak
• Diseased

You may perform this task any time of the year, as such limbs are a burden to the tree. It’s worth noting that disease can spread quickly during trimming, so do not cut a branch unless you must. 

Trim by the Type of Tree

Deciduous

Deciduous trees begin to lose their leaves in fall. It’s best to trim mature trees of this type in very late fall or winter.

Let them lose their leaves altogether and wait until they are dormant. This makes it easy to assess the tree’s condition and ensures minimal insect activity. 

Subtropic

In subtropic areas like California and Florida, winter is so mild that the trees don’t have a dormant season. Therefore, you can prune year-round, although it is best to never cut back more than 30% of the tree in any given season. 

When pruning subtropic species, look for ways to improve circulation within the canopy, prevent overbalancing, and remove diseased branches, but don’t cut them back too hard. 

Flowering Trees

You should typically prune flowering species when they drop their blooms. However, the rules depend on the species itself, so check with a professional to ensure you get the best show every year. 

Young Trees

It’s good to prune to establish shape while your tree is young. This trains it to grow in a pleasing manner and reduces the need for brutal cutbacks at a later stage. However, there’s a delicate balance between getting this right and weakening the tree. 

Unless you’re an expert, it’s best to ask for professional help here. 

Need Some Help with Trimming Your Trees? 

Now that you know the answer to “When should trees be trimmed?” you also better understand the complexity of the process. Partnering with an arborist to take on this task saves you time and money while keeping you and your trees safe. 

Sidden Tree Service is here to assist you in keeping your trees in line in Concord, NC. Call us at (980) 521-6221 to secure your free quote, or browse our website to learn other tree-related issues like why you should not DIY tree removal.