When Should I Prune My Tree?

October 7, 2026

“Annie, when’s the best time to prune my tree?”

We get this one a lot, and the honest answer is: it depends on the tree, and on what it needs. But for most North Texas trees, the season that’s coming up is a good one.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension puts it plainly: “December and January are ideal times to prune trees because they are not actively growing.” Once the leaves drop, the whole structure of the tree is out in the open. Crossing limbs, weak attachments and deadwood are easy to see, and the tree isn’t putting energy into new growth while it heals.

Summer vs. Winter

Here’s how we think about it at Arborwise^™:

• Summer pruning is a light touch. We lift low limbs, clear the roof, even out the crown and pull deadwood while the tree is in full leaf.
• Winter pruning is when the heavier structural work happens, the cuts that set a tree up for the next ten years.

A light prune in summer usually means less work, and a lower cost, when the winter pruning comes around.

Oaks Get Extra Care

We prune oaks all year. What changes is how we go about it. Texas A&M Forest Service flags February through June as the riskiest stretch for fresh cuts on oaks, because that’s when beetles carrying the oak wilt fungus can be drawn to new wounds. So on every oak we work, any time of year, we’re on the lookout for signs of oak wilt, and we save big cuts for the cooler months unless the tree truly needs them sooner.

How We Prune

Every cut is made at the branch collar, to ANSI A300 standards, with foliage left along every limb so the tree stays strong. And we will not do topping, unless explicitly requested by client.

Not Sure What Your Tree Needs?

Annie can give you an opinion from a picture, but every tree is different, and the real answer comes from seeing it in person. Tree work usually goes smoothly when it’s planned right, but it can turn dangerous fast. That’s why it pays to have a crew with 20+ years of navigating tricky tree situations. We’re happy to answer any and all questions during the free walkthrough, before work starts, during appropriate work stoppages, and after the work is complete.

Want a quick read first? Do a tree check with Annie. Rather we just come out and take a look? Request a free estimate. Or call or text (972) 430‑8330.

Insured to $2 million, certificate of insurance available on request. ISA Certified Arborist on staff.

Sources: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Williamson County, Time for Tree Maintenance (Nov. 8, 2023); Texas A&M Forest Service, Oak wilt disease threatens Texas oaks in spring.