Why dormant season is the best time to prune?
During the dormant season, trees pause their growth to conserve energy through the cold months — making it the ideal window to prune before spring's growth surge begins.
Reduces disease spread: fungal infections and diseases like Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt spread less easily when trees aren't actively growing.
Clearer view for arborists: bare branches make it easier to spot structural problems, weak limbs, and early signs of stress that leaves hide the rest of the year.
Healthier spring growth: pruning now directs your tree's stored energy where it's needed most when growth resumes.
More time to enjoy your yard: get tree work done before peak weather months, so you can spend that time enjoying your property instead.
Late fall through early spring, after leaves drop and before buds break. Dormant pruning causes less stress, heals better, faces lower disease/pest risk, and gives arborists a clear view of branch structure.
Trees drop their leaves and slow growth as days shorten and temperatures drop, cutting water loss. Before leaves fall, trees reabsorb nutrients to fuel spring growth. Roots often stay active underground even when the tree looks inactive above.
Unlike most trees, palms don't follow a dormant-season schedule. Prune only when fronds, flowers, or fruit turn brown — anytime of year. It's smart to check palms before hurricane season and remove dead fronds to reduce storm risk.
Check for three things: live buds on branches, fresh bark under any natural shedding, and the scratch test — scratch a twig lightly; green underneath means it's alive, brittle brown means trouble. Bend a twig too: live ones bend, dead ones snap.
Some yellowing and needle drop in fall is normal. Red flags: widespread discoloration, needle loss outside the normal season, bark holes or pitch tubes, or leaking sap. A few scattered yellow needles is fine; mostly red or brown is a bad sign.
Proper tree pruning is both a science and an art. Done incorrectly, it can cause serious damage to your tree.
Davey’s ISA certified arborists have a deep understanding of a tree’s biology to properly eliminate or minimize defects without harming your tree’s growth.
We are also equipped with the appropriate equipment and tools to trim your trees safely and effectively.
Get the job done right by hiring a professional tree service.