Winter Pruning: The Best Time to Trim Your Trees
November 28, 2023

Winter Pruning: The Best Time to Trim Your Trees

As the temperatures drop and leaves fall, many homeowners put away their gardening tools and prepare for hibernation. However, there is one important task that should not be forgotten: winter tree trimming. While it may seem counterintuitive to trim trees when they are dormant, there are actually several benefits to doing so. Here are just a few of the reasons why winter is the best time to trim your trees:

1. Reduced Risk of Winter Damage

Dead, diseased, or damaged branches are more likely to break off during winter storms. By removing these branches in the fall or early winter, you can help to prevent damage to your home, property, and yourself.


2. Reduced Risk of Disease and Pests

When trees are dormant, they are less susceptible to diseases and pests. This is because the sap is not flowing, making it more difficult for pathogens to enter the tree. Additionally, many insects are dormant during the winter, so they are less likely to be attracted to your trees.


3. Improved Wound Healing

Trees are able to heal from pruning wounds more quickly during the winter months. This is because they are not actively growing, so they can focus their energy on healing. As a result, winter pruning will help your trees recover more quickly and be less susceptible to disease.


4. Better Visibility of Tree Structure

When trees are bare, it is easier to see their structure and identify any potential problems. This makes it easier to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which will help to improve the overall health and appearance of your trees.


5. Enhanced Airflow and Sunlight Penetration

Pruning your trees in the winter will help to increase airflow and sunlight penetration to the interior of the canopy. This will promote new growth and make your trees more resistant to pests and diseases.


6. Reduced Stress on Trees

Pruning trees during the growing season can stress them out, making them more susceptible to disease and pests. Winter pruning is less stressful on trees, as they are not actively growing.


7. More Efficient Use of Resources

When you prune trees in the winter, you are not wasting their energy resources. The energy that would have been used to grow leaves and branches can be stored and used for new growth in the spring.


Winter pruning is an important part of tree care. By hiring Brown's Tree Care to trim your trees while they are dormant, you can help them to grow healthy and strong for years to come.


Call Brown's at 479-273-0202 for expert winter tree trimming. Estimates are free.


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By Master Account • August 11, 2025
A Silent Struggle: How August Heat Affects Your Trees August in Arkansas often brings relentless heat, and while we're all feeling the effects, there's a silent struggle happening right above our heads. The intense, prolonged heat we're experiencing is particularly bad for the health of our trees, and it's important to understand why. The Science Behind the Stress Trees, much like people, need water to survive. During hot and dry periods, a tree's primary focus is on conserving water . They do this by closing the stomata—tiny pores on their leaves—which limits the amount of water they lose to the atmosphere. However, this also means they can't take in carbon dioxide, which is essential for photosynthesis. The tree essentially goes into survival mode, and its growth slows or stops completely. What to Look For: Signs of Heat Stress When a tree is struggling with heat and drought, it will show a few key signs. Being able to spot these early can make a big difference: Wilting and drooping leaves: This is the most common sign. The leaves may look limp and hang downward. Premature leaf yellowing or browning: In an effort to conserve water, a tree may begin to shed leaves that are no longer necessary, causing them to turn yellow or brown and fall off earlier than usual. Curling leaves: The edges of the leaves may curl inward, another tactic to reduce the surface area exposed to the sun and conserve moisture. Pests and disease: A stressed tree is a weak tree. When a tree's defenses are down, it becomes more susceptible to opportunistic pests and diseases that it would normally be able to fend off. How You Can Help While we can't control the weather, there are things you can do to help your trees get through this difficult time: Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of short, daily waterings, aim for a long, slow soak every 7 to 10 days. This encourages deeper root growth, making the tree more resilient to future drought. Mulch is your friend: A 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk) helps the soil retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and reduces competition from weeds. Avoid pruning: Pruning during periods of heat stress can add to a tree's stress. It's best to wait until cooler weather to do any major trimming. If you're concerned about the health of your trees or notice any of the signs of heat stress, it's a good idea to consult a professional. At Brown's Tree Care, we're here to help you understand your trees' needs and develop a plan to keep them healthy for years to come. We are proud to be voted the #1 tree company in Northwest Arkansas for a third year in a row! Don't wait until it's too late. Estimates are free , so give us a call today. Brown's Tree Care | 479-273-0202