Many people believe that tree trimming cannot be done during the fall or winter months…or that tree care companies don’t operate during this time of the year. However, this is not entirely true, especially here in Tucson with our mild climate. While some trees should never be trimmed in colder seasons, for deciduous trees this time of year can be optimal for both pruning and removal services. This is the time of year deciduous trees enter a state called dormancy. Leaves fall off and trees take a “rest” until warmer spring temperatures trigger them into new growth. Pruning during this dormancy has several benefits, both for your trees and for you.
1. TREE STRUCTURE IS MORE VISIBLE
Once all of the leaves have dropped, it’s easier for a trained arborist to evaluate the structure of your trees and identify dead, diseased, or dangerous branches.
2. LESS STRESS ON TREES
When tree trimming is done in winter months it leaves them with extra root and energy reserves. This leads to “optimum wound closure” allowing trees to heal from cuts faster and also supports more vigorous spring growth.
3. AVOID SPREADING DISEASE
In colder temperatures, many types of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and insects that cause and/or spread disease are either dead or dormant. As a result, pruning in winter can help prevent serious diseases from being transmitted.
COMMON DECIDUOUS TREES IN TUCSON INCLUDE:
Arizona Ash, Acacia Varieties, Mesquite Varieties, Palo Verde Varieties, Desert Willow, Hackberry, Red Oak, Mexican Sycamore, Red Maple, and Monterrey Oak.
Not sure if your tree is deciduous? That’s okay! We would be happy to evaluate your tree and the specific care it needs. Contact Us for a FREE consultation.
There are a lot of reasons why we need to cut a tree especially it it’s that dangerous and It’s true that winter would be the best time to cut a tree a lot more safer. Thanks a lot for sharing this information and we’ve learn a lot!
Very well said, I would add that big trees need to be inspected since tree crews in Utah were busy this year because of an unexpected wind storm. Many trees fell down so we need to let professionals like you guys inspect and take preventive measures to avoid property damage later on.
I never knew that it would be more optimal for tree removal services if they were done during the colder seasons until you mentioned. We have a dead tree in our backyard and we were originally thinking of waiting until summer to have it removed. I guess we can check now with local arborists to see if they’re operating during the winter season.
I’m glad you mentioned looking for limbs that are dead or diseased when there are no leaves on them. There’s a big oak in my backyard and I’m worried about some branches that are drooping. I’ll be sure to get a professional over to inspect my tree and see what should be trimmed back.
It makes sense that the easiest time to evaluate a trees integrity is in the winter. If it can withstand the lower temperatures and generally drier weather then it has a better chance for long term survival. I really appreciate the insight from this local tree removal blog. Thank you