Should You Get Your Trees Trimmed in the Winter?
Many homeowners assume that tree care stops once the temperatures drop, but winter is actually one of the most effective and beneficial times to trim or remove trees. Here at Martin Tree Service, we work year-round, and winter often provides the ideal conditions for safe, efficient, and healthy tree maintenance.
If you’re wondering whether winter is a good time to take care of your trees, here’s what you should know before scheduling a service.
We Trim Trees All Winter Long!
Our team is fully trained and equipped to perform professional tree trimming throughout the winter months. With the right safety gear, climbing equipment, and techniques, we can handle pruning, shaping, hazard removal, and even full tree removals in cold weather. In fact, winter gives us clearer access to your trees and often makes the work faster and easier.
Why Winter Is an Excellent Time for Tree Trimming
1. Trees Are in Their Dormant Phase
During the winter, trees naturally slow down their growth. This dormant period makes trimming less stressful and more beneficial for long-term health. Cuts heal more efficiently, and proper winter pruning encourages strong, vibrant growth once spring arrives. Many hardwoods and fruit trees respond especially well to winter trimming.
2. Better Visibility and More Accurate Pruning
Without leaves blocking the view, our arborists can easily assess the full structure of your tree. We can spot deadwood, weak limbs, crossing branches, and structural issues much more clearly in winter. This helps us make precise, informed cuts that improve your tree’s safety, shape, and overall health.
3. Reduced Risk of Disease and Pests
Winter naturally slows the spread of many insects, fungi, and bacterial diseases. Pruning during this time reduces the chance of infections, especially for sensitive species like oaks and elms. This makes winter one of the safest seasons to trim from a plant-health perspective.
4. Preventing Winter Storm Damage
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down weak or damaged branches, causing them to crack or fall. Winter trimming removes these hazards before they cause harm, protecting your home, vehicles, power lines, and property.
Trees That Are Better Trimmed Outside of Winter
While most trees thrive with winter pruning, certain species like maples, birches, and walnuts tend to bleed sap if trimmed late in the season. This is harmless but can be messy. For these species, we may recommend another season for optimal results. Our certified arborists can guide you on the best timing for your specific trees.
We Also Perform Winter Tree Removals
Winter is an excellent time for tree removal as well. With no leaves and frozen ground, removals are often safer, quicker, and cleaner. Whether you’re dealing with a hazardous tree, storm damage, or disease, we can safely remove problem trees even in snowy or icy conditions.
Schedule Your Winter Tree Service Today
If your trees need trimming, shaping, inspection, or removal, winter is a smart time to get it done. Our experienced team is ready to help you improve the health, safety, and appearance of your property, no matter the season.
Contact Martin Tree Care today to schedule your winter tree service or request a free estimate. We look forward to keeping your trees healthy and your property safe all year long.
