When Should You Trim Your Trees? A Seasonal Guide by North Louisiana Experts at Jericho Tree Service

Pruning is both an art and a science, and timing is key to keeping your trees healthy and beautiful. Improper timing or cuts can stress trees, invite pests and disease, or ruin spring blooms. As a rule of thumb, most trees are best pruned during dormancy (late fall through early spring) when leaves are off and insects are inactive. However, there are important exceptions (like flowering trees) and safety concerns to consider. Below is a season-by-season guide for North Louisiana homeowners.

Pruning Basics to Remember:

• Remove the “4 D’s”: Dead, Dying, Diseased, and Damaged limbs can be cut any time.

• Prune to the branch collar: This swollen area at the base of a branch protects the tree from decay.

• Use thinning cuts: Remove entire branches to reduce crowding. Avoid stubby “heading” cuts.

• Never remove more than 1/3 of the tree’s foliage in one year.

• Use proper tools: Sharp, clean pruners and saws make safer, healthier cuts.

• Stay safe: If a tree is large or near power lines, hire a professional tree service.

Winter (December–February)

Best time for most pruning. In North Louisiana, trees are dormant in winter, making it the ideal time for major pruning. The lack of leaves allows clear visibility of a tree’s structure, making it easier to identify problem limbs. Common trees like oaks, maples, and pecans respond well to winter pruning. This is the best season to shape the tree, remove dead wood, and correct structural issues.

Avoid pruning spring-flowering trees like dogwoods, cherry trees, and redbuds in winter, as they set their buds the previous year. Pruning now will reduce blooming.

Winter is also a good time for tree removal. If a tree is dying, leaning, or dangerously close to your home, removing it in winter minimizes yard damage and ensures safety before spring storms hit.

Spring (March–May)

Early spring is fine for light pruning, but caution is needed later. You can still remove dead or damaged branches in early spring, especially after winter storms. Pruning in March, before the full leaf-out, helps improve structure and airflow.

Avoid pruning oaks during April–August to reduce the risk of oak wilt. Also, avoid pruning trees during bloom if you want to enjoy their flowers.

After flowering ends, prune spring-bloomers like crape myrtles or ornamental cherries to shape and encourage healthy summer growth.

Summer (June–August)

Minimal pruning; focus on maintenance and safety. The hot summer months are not ideal for heavy pruning. Trees are fully leafed-out and producing food, so major cuts can stress them.

Instead, focus on:

• Removing suckers and water sprouts

• Cleaning up broken or storm-damaged limbs

• Light thinning for air circulation

If a large limb is cracked or you notice hazardous overhanging branches, summer is a good time to schedule professional tree removal or emergency tree service. Tree pruning in summer should be kept minimal unless safety is at risk.

Fall (September–November)

Use caution. As trees slow down and prepare for winter dormancy, it’s tempting to prune them before cold weather sets in. However, fall pruning can stimulate new growth that’s vulnerable to frost damage.

You can still remove dead or damaged limbs and clean up low-hanging branches to prepare your yard for leaf fall. Save heavy pruning and shaping for winter, once the tree is fully dormant.

Fall is also a smart time to evaluate older trees for potential hazards before winter storms arrive. A professional tree inspection can help prevent costly damage later.

When to Call a Professional for North Louisiana trees

Tree pruning and removal can be dangerous. If you need to climb, use a chainsaw overhead, or work near power lines, it’s time to call in experts. Jericho Tree Service LLC provides safe, expert tree care throughout North Louisiana.

Our team includes certified arborists with degrees in forestry and biology. We use a scientific approach to pruning, diagnostics, and preservation. Whether you need tree pruning in Ruston, tree removal after a storm, or routine maintenance across North Louisiana, we have the skills and equipment to do the job right.