Should You Prune Trees in the Winter?

Pruning TreesWinter is coming and that means there’ll be ice, snow and slush on the ground. Though most people tend to spend a lot of time indoors each winter, especially in New Jersey when the temperature dips below freezing, some people choose to be outdoors for pursuits like cross-country skiing, sledding, and… pruning trees. Wait a minute– pruning trees? In winter? Yes!

Winter is actually a good time of the year to prune your trees– the deciduous ones, that is. Since the foliage is gone– the leaves fell off months ago– and the tree is dormant (so there won’t be the bleeding of sap), winter is a good time to be able to see down to the structure of what you’re cutting and take care of business without hurting the tree.

Did you know, for instance, that oak trees should only be pruned in the winter? The reason why is an interesting one: there’s a beetle that is attracted to freshly cut oak trees. The beetle can smell the odor and is attracted to it. But, the beetle is bad for the tree, causing “oak wilt.” During the winter, however, the beetles are hibernating, so it’s the best time of the year to prune an oak. Certain trees are best pruned in winter.

Pruning can be done with hand pruners, pruning saws, chain saws, and other tools. If and when you see branches that look like they’re dying, diseased, damaged, deformed or dead, prune them. Ultimately, pruning helps a tree build its strength and form. It’s a good thing for trees.

Do you need trees in your New Jersey yard pruned but you don’t want to do it yourself? Call Big Foot Tree Service to have experts come prune your trees for you. Available any time of the year, Big Foot Tree Service even works in the winter. The number to call is 973-885-8000.