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.
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