Although tree growth slows when the temperatures drop, winter is still a great time for trimming. Tree trimming can enhance the health and strength of your trees, allowing them to better withstand stress. Winter trimming comes with many benefits, including a reduced risk of disease and fewer obstructions since the leaves have fallen. Here are some tips for winter trimming that may help you.

Choose Trees Wisely

In general, it’s smart to trim deciduous trees in the winter. Trees like maple, oak, elm, birch, and ash are all in their dormant stage during this season. They’re not focused on growth, so they’ll be ready to send a lot of energy to the areas that have been trimmed to encourage quick healing.

Use Restraint

It can be tempting to get carried away with winter tree trimming. Unfortunately, too much cutting can be detrimental to the health of your trees. It can lead to structural issues and make it much harder for the tree to recover, leaving it vulnerable to pests and disease when the weather warms up.

Instead of being too enthusiastic about trimming, practice restraint. It should be safe to remove dead or decaying branches along with those that are rubbing against other branches. Also consider removing branches that take away from the appearance of the tree, such as those that are growing straight up or those that are coming out of the lower trunk.

Sharp Tools Are Necessary

Any type of cut to a tree is a wound. When trimming trees, you have to make sure to use sharp tools to minimize damage. A sharp tool will make a clean cut rather than a jagged one that involves a lot of tearing, causing additional tissue damage.

Leave Major Work to the Professionals

You might be ready to tackle a larger project, but keep in mind that this type of work could be more involved than you might anticipate. Large-scale trimming can create a lot of debris, which our team would be happy to remove for you. You also have to think about your safety. Getting up on a ladder can pose a risk at any time, and when you’re dealing with branches that can fall unpredictably, things can get dangerous. We have the right safety tools to protect us and your property, and in addition, we’ll know how to protect your tree from over-trimming.

Be mindful about how you trim your trees this winter, and they’ll be ready to start growing and thriving once spring arrives. If you’d like to have professional tree trimming services in Zachary, LA, contact our team at Zachary Tree Service.