09/03/2026
When Is the Best Time to Prune Your Trees?
Proper pruning can improve a tree’s health, appearance, structure, and safety—but timing matters! Different types of trees benefit from being pruned at different times of the year.
Here is a helpful guide:
🍂 Shade and deciduous trees
Most are best pruned during late winter while they are dormant and before new growth begins.
🌸 Spring-flowering trees
Dogwoods, redbuds, flowering cherries, and other early bloomers should generally be pruned shortly after they finish flowering. Pruning them during winter may remove the buds that produce their spring blooms.
🌺 Summer-flowering trees
Trees such as crape myrtles can usually be pruned during late winter before new growth begins.
🍎 Fruit trees
Apple, peach, pear, and plum trees are generally pruned during the winter dormant season—often between December and February. Waiting until later in the dormant season can help reduce the risk of freeze damage.
🍁 Maples and birches
These trees may release a noticeable amount of sap when pruned during late winter. The sap usually does not harm the tree, but pruning after the leaves have matured can reduce the bleeding.
⚠️ Dead, damaged, broken, or hazardous limbs
These should be evaluated promptly, regardless of the season—especially when they pose a danger to your home, vehicles, power lines, or family.
Not sure what type of tree you have or when it should be pruned? Let the experienced team at Arbor West Tree Service take a look and recommend the right approach.
Get on the pruning schedule before the busiest season arrives!
📞 Call Arbor West Tree Service at 404-805-5234
