Just like people need to have their hair trimmed, trees need to have their branches trimmed – or pruned – too. Pruning involves eliminating those dead, unwanted ends of a tree’s branches, and keeps the crown tame and healthy. Trimming back tree branches is a vital part of routine winter maintenance, too.
A lot of people assume that tree pruning is a warm weather project; however, believe it or not, it’s actually better to do this task in the winter. Why? Here’s a look at some great reasons why you should wait until the last few leaves fall off and prune your trees in the winter.
It’s Easier
Compared to the spring or summer, pruning in the winter is a whole lot easier. Trying to prune back dead and unwanted branches when leaves are in full-bloom can be tricky, as the foliage can prevent you from seeing the structure. During the winter, when the leaves fall off and a tree is bare, you’ll have a much easier time trimming back those branches because you’ll actually be able to see them.
Won’t Interrupt the Growth Cycle
Another great reason to prune trees during the winter season is to avoid damaging the growth cycle. Trees are kind of like hibernating animals in the winter; they go dormant to survive the frigid temperatures. The ideal time to trim back those branches is when a tree isn’t actively growing, as you won’t interrupt its delicate growth cycle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the branches growing back before the frigid temperatures and heavy snow and ice move in, adding more to the weight of the tree, and increasing the risk of unnecessary damage.
Reduces Spread of Disease
Pruning during the winter helps to reduce the spread of diseases from one tree to another, such as oak wilt and Dutch elm, which are easily transmitted when the weather is warm. The lower the risk of disease, the healthier your trees will be.
Keane Landscaping is a top choice for landscaping in Dallas. Since 1980, Keane has provided customized landscape designs to homes in the Dallas area. All landscaping services are completed by trained, insured professionals with years of experience who can tailor to your needs. We’ve provided fall landscaping for decades and can help fill your garden with fall colors this year.
If you’re in the North Texas region, call 972-210-0743 or visit to get a free quote today.
