Month: March 2025

The Best Time for Tree Trimming and Why It’s Now

There’s a narrow window of time when trimming your trees gives them the best chance at a healthy and strong season ahead. The window is now or very soon. In the Memphis area, the tail end of winter and the very start of spring are marked by when your trees are either finishing dormancy or just beginning to wake up. That timing matters more than most people realize.

If you’ve been staring at those overgrown limbs, dead branches, or leaning trees, wondering when to handle them, this is your reminder. Not only is it still a safe time to trim, but you’ll also avoid the potential issues that come from pruning too late. Red’s Tree Service can help you out to make sure your trees are trimmed at the right time, the right way, before growth kicks into high gear.

Why This Season Matters for Tree Health

Trees go through natural cycles, and understanding when they’re dormant, or close to it, helps you catch them in their most cooperative state. Here’s why this late winter/early spring window is so valuable:

  • The tree hasn’t shifted into full growth mode yet, which means less stress after trimming.
  • Branch structure is easier to assess when there are no leaves in the way.
  • Insects and fungal threats aren’t as active, so wounds from trimming are less likely to become a problem.
  • Cuts heal more efficiently just before new growth starts, helping trees bounce back stronger.

Memphis doesn’t get the longest winter, so the season moves fast. If you’re going to trim, the sooner the better.

What Kind of Trees Should You Trim Now?

The short answer? Most of them. But types of trees do play a role, and knowing what you’re working with can help you avoid making the wrong cut.

  • Deciduous trees (like oaks, elms, and maples): Still in the clear to trim these, especially if they haven’t started budding yet.
  • Evergreens (like pines and cedars): Light shaping is okay now, but avoid overdoing it.
  • Flowering trees: Timing depends on bloom cycles. If it blooms in early spring, wait until after the flowers fade. If it blooms in summer, now is the time to prune.
  • Fruit trees: Still within the ideal window. Trimming helps sunlight reach fruit-bearing branches and sets the tree up for better production.

If your tree is already covered in buds or leafing out, hold off unless you’re removing something dead or hazardous.

Young Trees, Mature Trees, and the In-Between

Let’s break it down a little further.

New Trees

For trees that were just planted last season, resist the urge to shape them aggressively. Focus only on removing broken or damaged branches for now. Give them a full year to settle in before doing anything structural.

Young Trees

Once a tree has been established for a year or two, start shaping with intention. Keep lower branches for now to protect the trunk, and make clean cuts if anything is crossing or growing at an awkward angle. Think of it as slow and steady training, not a full-on makeover.

Mature Trees

Older trees often need cleanup more than reshaping. Dead limbs, weak branches, or areas that could pose a risk during storms are the priorities. When in doubt, leave the bigger work to a professional. It’s easy to overdo it with mature trees, especially if you’re dealing with height, weight, or complicated branch structures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This part’s just as important as knowing when to trim.

  • Waiting too long: Once spring is in full swing and your tree is pushing out new growth, trimming can set it back or invite disease.
  • Over-trimming: More isn’t better. Removing too much can leave the tree weak and struggling to recover.
  • Using dull or dirty tools: Cuts need to be clean. Anything ragged can cause more damage than good.
  • Guessing your way through it: Every tree is different. If you’re not sure, don’t wing it.
  • Tree trimming isn’t something you want to take lightly: Timing and technique both matter, and mistakes can take years to fix—or worse, cause permanent damage.

If You Notice These Signs, It’s Time

If you’re still unsure, here are a few things to look for:

  • Limbs that are clearly dead, cracked, or hanging over your roof or driveway.
  • Branches that are rubbing, crossing, or growing back toward the trunk.
  • Dense canopies that block all sunlight from getting through.
  • Trees that look off-balance or are leaning in ways they didn’t last season.

Even if your tree looks okay on the surface, subtle signs like these can be a heads-up that it needs attention. Catching it early is always better than dealing with storm damage or decay down the road.

The Best Time for Tree Trimming and Why It’s Now

Book Your Spring Trim Before Schedules Fill Up

Tree trimming now means fewer risks later, like broken limbs, storm damage, and overgrowth. This early spring window is your last chance to get ahead of it.

Red’s Tree Service knows what Memphis trees need and how to get the job done right. Schedule your tree trim now and give your trees a clean, healthy start to the season.

This post first appeared on https://redstreeservice.com

Safe & Efficient Tree Removal: How We Use Cranes to Remove Dangerous Trees

When a tree becomes a safety hazard, removing it quickly and carefully is essential to prevent damage to homes, power lines, and property. At Big Foot Tree Service, we specialize in crane-assisted tree removal, an advanced method that allows us to safely remove trees that are too large, weak, or unstable for traditional removal techniques.

Man using crane to remove trees near powerlines

Why Use a Crane for Tree Removal?

Not all tree removals require a crane, but in certain situations, it’s the best and safest option. A crane is needed when:

  • The tree is leaning dangerously over structures, roads, or power lines.
  • It is too large or unstable for climbers to remove safely.
  • The tree is in a hard-to-reach location, such as a fenced yard or near buildings.
  • Storm damage has weakened the tree, making it unsafe to cut using standard methods.

Using a crane allows us to remove trees piece by piece without dropping heavy limbs onto your property, reducing the risk of damage.

Our Crane Tree Removal Process

Our team follows a carefully planned approach to ensure safety, precision, and efficiency when removing a hazardous tree using a crane.

Step 1: Site Inspection & Planning

We start by evaluating the tree’s size, health, and location to determine the best removal strategy. We also check if a permit is needed in your area before proceeding.

Step 2: Positioning the Crane

A certified crane operator sets up the crane in a stable location, extending its outriggers for balance. This step is crucial to ensure the crane can handle the tree’s weight safely.

Step 3: Securing the Tree

Our expert tree climbers or bucket truck operators secure the tree using heavy-duty straps or cables, ensuring controlled lifting.

Step 4: Cutting & Lifting Tree Sections

The tree is carefully cut into smaller, manageable sections. Each piece is lifted away by the crane and transported to a safe drop zone.

Step 5: Lowering & Processing the Tree

Once lowered, our ground crew cuts, chips, and hauls away the wood and debris. This process minimizes disruption and ensures a clean finish.

Step 6: Stump Grinding & Final Cleanup

After removing the tree, we offer stump grinding services to restore your landscape. Our team also cleans up any remaining debris, leaving your property neat and damage-free.

Benefits of Crane-Assisted Tree Removal

  • Enhanced Safety – Prevents large branches from falling unpredictably.
  • Faster Removal – Reduces tree removal time compared to traditional methods.
  • Less Property Damage – Protects landscaping, driveways, and nearby structures.
  • Access to Confined Spaces – Perfect for trees in tight spots or near buildings.

Call Big Foot Tree Service for Expert Tree Removal

If you have a dangerous tree on your property, don’t wait until it causes damage. Our crane-assisted removal service ensures a safe, efficient, and stress-free experience.

Call us today at 973-885-8000 for an estimate! We proudly serve Northern New Jersey with expert tree care and removal services.

The post Safe & Efficient Tree Removal: How We Use Cranes to Remove Dangerous Trees appeared first on Big Foot Tree Service.

This post first appeared on https://www.bigfoottreeservice.com

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