One of the most common questions we hear is, “When should I trim my trees?” The short answer: for most trees in Utah County, late winter is the best time. But it depends on the kind of tree and why it needs trimming. Here’s a simple guide.
Shade Trees: Late Winter Is the Sweet Spot
For maples, ash, elms, honeylocust and most other shade trees, the dormant season (roughly January through early March) is ideal:
- You can see the structure. With the leaves off, it’s easy to spot crossing, weak or crowded branches.
- Less stress on the tree. Dormant trees handle pruning well, and cuts start closing as soon as spring growth kicks in.
- Fewer pests and diseases. Insects and fungi are less active in the cold, so fresh cuts are less likely to get infected.
Flowering Trees: Trim Right After They Bloom
Redbuds, flowering cherries, crabapples and lilacs set next year’s flower buds the summer before. Trim them in winter and you cut off the blooms. The best time is shortly after they finish flowering in spring.
Fruit Trees: Late Winter, Before the Buds Open
Utah County has a long orchard history, and plenty of yards still have apple, peach, cherry and apricot trees. Prune them in late winter before the buds swell. Opening up the center lets in sunlight and air, which means better fruit and less disease. Light summer thinning of water sprouts is fine too.
Dead, Broken or Hazardous Limbs: Any Time
Don’t wait for winter if a limb is dead, cracked, hanging over your roof or damaged after a windstorm. Safety comes first, and hazardous branches can be removed any time of year.
A Few Rules of Thumb
- Don’t overdo it. As a general rule, avoid removing more than about a quarter of a tree’s live canopy in one year.
- Go easy in late summer. Heavy pruning late in the season can push out new growth that may not harden off before the first freeze.
- Leave big jobs to a pro. Anything that needs a ladder, a chainsaw or work near power lines is worth a call.
Not Sure When to Trim Your Trees?
We’re happy to take a look. Call (385) 427-5019 or request a free on-site estimate, and we’ll let you know what your trees need and when.