While tree trimming plays a big role in how the trees around your property look, this type of service plays a far more crucial role than looks alone. Proper trimming promotes healthy growth and reduces hazards, keeping your trees and your property safer. In Georgia, we enjoy warm weather that allows all kinds of trees to thrive, but that can make timing your tree trimming services trickier. Thankfully, we’re here to help.
Here’s a quick guide to the recommended tree trimming schedule for various groups of trees.
Deciduous Trees
For most deciduous trees, including oaks, maples, and elms, late winter is the ideal time for tree trimming. Aim for anywhere between February and early March, when the trees are still dormant. Dormancy means they are less likely to experience stress and are at a lower risk of disease, and it also helps us see the structure more clearly without leaves in the way.
Evergreens
Evergreens such as pines, cedars, and hollies can be trimmed almost year-round, but if shaping is your primary goal, aim for late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy trimming in the summer, as high temperatures paired with the stress of trimming can leave the tree vulnerable to issues.
Flowering Trees
The timing for trimming flowering trees largely depends on when they bloom. For spring bloomers like dogwoods or redbuds, trim right after they have finished flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. For summer bloomers like magnolias, tree trimming is best done in late winter or very early spring.
Fruit Trees
Fruit-bearing trees benefit most from trimming in late winter before new growth starts. This can help encourage better fruit production and also help you maintain a more manageable shape.