Best Times of Year to Trim Trees in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tree trimming is key to keeping your trees healthy and looking great, but when you do, it can make all the difference. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the seasons and climate play a big role in determining the best time to trim your trees.
Whether you're looking to boost growth or prevent disease, understanding Tulsa's unique weather patterns will help you make the right call. In this article, we'll explore the ideal times for trimming trees to help them thrive in every season.
Why Does Timing Matter for Tree Trimming?
Timing is crucial when it comes to tree pruning. If you prune trees at the wrong time, they could develop diseases, attract bugs, or even suffer structural damage. On the flip side, trimming at the right time encourages healthy growth, gets rid of dead branches, and lowers the risk of storm damage.
This is because Tulsa has hot summers and cold winters. To help your trees grow, you should trim them at the right time of year. If you know the best time, your trees will stay strong, healthy, and beautiful all year.
Tulsa's Climate and Its Impact on Tree Growth
Tulsa's climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, directly impacts when trees should be trimmed. Learning the local weather pattern will help one understand the best time for tree care.
- Hardiness Zone (USDA Zone 7): Trees in this zone experience mild winters and warm growing seasons. This means they need careful timing for trimming to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Average Weather: Summers are often over 90°F, with possible stress during dry spells. Winters are gentle but with occasional freezes. Late winter is an excellent time to prune since trees will be dormant.
- Impact on Trees: Trees are affected by seasonal cycles of dormancy and growth. Dormancy during winter allows the process to be much safer, while autumnal rains can discard fungal infection if trees are cut too late in the season.
When Is the Best Time to Trim Trees in Tulsa?
In Tulsa, the ideal time to trim trees depends on the season and tree species. Here's a breakdown of when to trim for the best results:
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Late Winter to Early Spring (February to April)
This is the best time to trim most trees in Tulsa. During late winter and early spring, trees are dormant, meaning they've stopped growing for the season. Pruning most deciduous trees during dormancy encourages healthy new growth in spring and reduces the spread of diseases. The lack of leaves also makes it easier to see the tree's structure.
Why it's optimal:
- Trees are dormant, so there's less stress.
- Fewer pests are active to infect freshly trimmed areas.
- It promotes healthy spring growth.
Ideal for:
- Deciduous trees like oaks, maples, and elms.
- Trees prone to diseases like oak wilt (oak trees should be trimmed in winter to avoid exposure to disease-carrying insects).
- Fruit trees—pruning in late winter helps boost fruit production.
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Summer Trimming (June to August)
Though winter is the best time for many trees, some trees can handle light trimming in the summer. This is especially true after the tree has finished its seasonal growth in early summer, when routine pruning can focus on removing dead or diseased branches and correcting structural issues.
Why it works for some trees:
- Light trimming helps remove broken or dead limbs.
- Summer pruning can correct structural problems after the tree's main growth period
Precaution:
- Avoid heavy trimming during the peak heat of summer, as this can stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to drought.
Ideal for:
- Evergreen trees like pines and spruces.
- Flowering trees that bloom in spring (like dogwoods and magnolias)—they should be trimmed after they finish flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
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Fall Trimming (September to November)
Routine pruning of trees in the fall is generally not recommended in Tulsa. Fall brings increased fungal activity, and freshly cut branches are more vulnerable to infection during this time. The moisture from fall rains can invite diseases or pests.
Why it's generally not recommended:
- Increased fungal activity makes fall a risky time to trim trees.
- Moisture from fall rains can lead to infections in fresh cuts.
Exceptions:
- Light trimming of dead or broken branches can be done, but avoid major pruning.
Best Times to Trim Specific Tree Species in Tulsa
Different trees usually have different needs, so the timing of your trimming can sometimes depend on the species.
Oak Trees
The best time to prune mature trees like oaks is February to avoid oak wilt. This deadly disease spreads from beetles active in warmer months, so winter pruning keeps the risk low. Pruning trees also gives them time to heal without additional stress when they are dormant.
Maple Trees
The best time to prune maples is late winter or early spring when the trees are not actively growing. This prevents excessive sap flow and promotes strong growth. Summer pruning will help restrict excessive sap problems, but dormancy is the most effective time for promoting health.
Crape Myrtles
Late winter is the best time to prune crape myrtles. Now, the tree takes shape and is set for brilliant summertime blooms. Prune too late in spring, and you cut off the buds that produce those flowers.
Fruit Trees (Apples, Pears, Peaches)
Pruning of fruiting trees is best done in late winter, from February to early March. Treatment of fruit trees by removing dead branches could help the tree avoid disease that might be harbored by the dead wood and promote better air circulation around the plant. This will give the tree a better chance at fruiting during the next growth season.
Signs That Your Trees Need Trimming Outside of Regular Seasons
Sometimes, emergencies or special circumstances require pruning trees outside of the usual recommended times. In these cases, immediate action is essential to prevent hazards or damage.
- Dead or Diseased Branches: These branches always fall off at any time and endanger people and property. Any detection of these kinds of branches calls for their removal immediately, which protects the tree and its surroundings.
- Storm Damage: Branches may break altogether in a storm or weaken. Pruning damaged branches prevents further harm to the tree and minimizes risks to homes, vehicles, or power lines.
- Obstruction of Utilities or Property: If branches are getting too close to power lines, rooftops, or walkways, trimming is necessary to avoid accidents or structural damage.
Can Trimming Trees at the Wrong Time Cause Long-Term Damage?
Yes, trimming trees at the wrong time can cause long-term damage. Trimming during the wrong season can leave trees vulnerable to disease, pest infestations, or growth problems that may weaken the tree over time.
If trees are trimmed when they are actively growing, such as during peak summer, they may experience stress, making them more susceptible to environmental factors. Additionally, improper timing can result in poor wound healing, leaving trees open to infection. This can lead to long-term health issues and structural instability.
To avoid these risks, it's important to follow recommended trimming times or consult a professional arborist to determine the best schedule for your specific tree species.
Why Should You Hire a Professional Tree Trimming Service in Tulsa?
Even though getting a tree trimmed might seem like an easy task, it is usually best to hire professionals for the biggest or most hazardous trees. This is because certified arborists in Tulsa know how to deal with different kinds of trees and the weather where they work. This is why you should let them decide how to trim the trees without hurting them.
Professional tree pruning services ensure that mature and young trees are pruned safely, using the right equipment to prevent injury or property damage Arborists will be aware of local regulations and dispose of tree limbs properly, saving you both time and headaches.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Trees Healthy Year-Round
Trimming your trees at the right time helps them stay healthy, strong, and beautiful. By understanding Tulsa's climate and the specific needs of your trees, you can protect them from disease, promote healthy growth, and avoid long-term damage. Whether it's winter pruning for oaks or summer care for evergreens, proper timing makes all the difference.
For expert tree trimming in Tulsa, contact TREES BY JAKE at 7107 S. Yale Ave. #263, Tulsa, OK 74136-6308. Our certified arborist is available 24/7 to assess your trees and provide the care they need.
Call us anytime at (918) 500-9955 and let us handle all your tree trimming and pruning needs!
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Tulsa Tree Service
TREES BY JAKE has been providing tree removal services in Tulsa for over a decade. Jake is a Tulsa Certified Arborist and we have a variety of equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Call or text us today for your free estimate at 918-500-9955 and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!