In St. Louis, summer often brings to mind thoughts of sunshine, time outdoors, and lush greenery and trees. And with thoughts of trees often come thoughts of tree trimming – seems like a good idea, right? Well, ask any tree service professional – like those at Jackson Tree Service – and they’ll tell you that that’s not necessarily the case. The best time of year for tree trimming really depends on the type of tree, but the general rule of thumb is to trim between the leaf color change in fall and the flower blooms in spring. Small necessary trims can be done any time of year, but winter is the best season if any major weight needs to come out. This might be surprising, but there are a lot of reasons that tree trimming shouldn’t be done in the summer.
Why You Shouldn’t Trim Your Tree During Summer
Unless a tree poses a safety risk – such as dead, broken, or hanging branches, you should hold off on tree trimming until later in the year. One obvious problem with tree trimming during summer is that the fullness of the leaves can obscure branches with problems, making it difficult to assess danger. During summer, your yard also tends to be softer, so tree trimming equipment is likely to leave undesirable damage to the yard. Finally, summer is a time for pests, diseases, and drought conditions. Trimming trees and leaving them with open cuts makes them more vulnerable to these stressors. The trees are also under stress due to the heat, so they need to be able to repair themselves without the added concern of infestations. However, there are a few types of trees that should be trimmed during summer, namely sappy hardwoods. These include maple, walnut, and birch trees. During winter, they tend to ooze sap, making them sticky and difficult to prune.
The Benefits of Winter Tree Trimming
When trees are dormant, insects aren’t a factor and cooler temperatures prevent rot, decay, and disease. This is why it’s a good idea to trim your trees during the winter season. Because trees are not actively growing and do not have leaves, it’s much easier to determine if the tree has any issues, including crossing branches or growth problems. Trimming your trees in winter also encourages spring growth because they’ll be able to recover more quickly. Additionally, the ground in St. Louis freezes during winter, meaning less damage to the landscape and easier access to the tree. The lessened damage to your yard as well as the lessened disease threat is also a great money saver! You won’t have to pay to re-landscape your yard or treat your tree for infestations.
Seasonal Tree Trimming
If you have any concerns about your tree, always consult a tree service expert like Jackson Tree Service regardless of the time of year. However, if there are no major threats, it’s best to wait until winter to do any major trimming. Not only will it save you money, but it will also protect the health of your trees so you can enjoy them during all seasons for years to come.