What is the Best Time to Trim Trees in Texas?

Trimming is an important part of maintaining a tree. Proper pruning helps a tree sustain new growth. A key component of good trimming practice is to trim your tree at the right time of the year.

Expert Insight

The best time to trim a tree in Texas is late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins, according to the Texas A&M System Agrilife Extension. Pruning at this time does not interfere with the tree's new growing season.

Warning

The least desirable time to prune your Texas tree is after the new growth has already stated in the spring. Major pruning at this time puts too much stress on the trees roots and stems. You should also avoid heavy trimming in late summer. This may spur new growth that could make the tree more susceptible to damage from winter weather.

Exception

Do not not worry about the time of year when you need to trim off dead or damaged branches. Trim these immediately so they do not become entry points for disease or insect infestation.

Time To Trim Ash Trees

Ash trees make good shade trees in the home landscape if provided with adequate trimming. These trees prove susceptible to winter damage due to their brittle wood, making trimming an important factor in maintaining the desired shape as the tree matures. Trimming ash trees at the proper time encourages healthy growth and development without compromising the tree and increasing the risk of disease or insect infestation. Most trees perform best when trimmed in the spring, according to University of Illinois Extension. Some trees, including oak, ash and elm, thrive with late summer or fall trimming. Avoid trimming ash trees in the summer, when stressed ash trees prove most susceptible to the ash borer. Trimming young ash trees on an annual basis prevents weak branch unions. This reduces breaking limbs in later years. Light annual trimming removes dead or broken branches resulting from storms and winter damage. Dull pruning tools require twisting and pulling to remove branches.