Regular tree trimming or pruning is an integral part of proper tree care maintenance. Trimming your trees helps keep them healthy and strong, can help improve structural integrity, can assist in keeping pests and disease away and can improve fruit and flower production.
Knowing the best time to trim your trees is important in ensuring the best results. So, when is the best time of year to trim your trees? Let’s take a closer look.
Factors To Consider
When it comes to determining the best time of year to trim your trees there are a few factors that you will need to consider:
1. The Type Or Species Of Your Tree
By finding out the species of your tree you will be better able to determine its specific needs when it comes to pruning, as this will inform you what the tree’s growth cycle is. Some trees, for example certain fruit or flowering trees, will be best trimmed once the fruiting or blooming period has finished. The tree might be evergreen or deciduous and as such, will have different needs.
If you are unsure of your tree species, ask your local Arborist to identify it for you and provide advice on best pruning practices.
2. The Local Climate And Conditions
Consider your current weather conditions. Is it freezing cold? Are there very high winds? Is it unseasonably hot or dry? You should always try and avoid tree trimming during weather extremes as this can actually increase the risk of damaging your tree, causing it stress and leaving it more vulnerable to sickness and disease.
3. The Health Of The Tree
If you have a tree that is suffering from pest infestation, disease or some other potentially threatening issue, you may be required to take action immediately to prevent the problem spreading and risking the tree, regardless of the time of year. In these cases you shouldn’t wait for optimal timing as the tree could already be dead or dying. Take swift action to give the tree the best chance of surviving and thriving.
Brisbane Tree Trimming By Season
Luckily, Brisbane’s beautiful, sub-tropical weather and mild winters provide a reasonably large window for safe tree trimming. However, some seasons are generally considered better than others for different reasons.
Spring
Here in Brisbane, early Spring is generally thought to be a good time of year to trim your trees, depending on the type of tree of course. The departure of winter and arrival of warmer weather means an increase in sunlight, which usually means that a lot of trees will have a growth spurt.
Spring is an ideal time to remove any damaged or dead branches. It provides an opportunity to promote new growth, shape the tree, improve structure and promote overall health and vigour. This is a suitable time for tree trimming – while conditions are ideal and the tree doesn’t have to recover during the extremes of winter or summer.
Spring tree trimming is also ideally timed here in Brisbane as it allows you to prepare trees for the summer storm season ahead and minimise potential damage.
Summer
Summer in Brisbane can be pretty brutal. Scorching, high temperatures mean it’s generally not considered an ideal time to prune trees unless absolutely necessary. The only exception to this is the very beginning of summer when the heat hasn’t hit full intensity. Safe pruning can be possible, however, be sure to adequately water your trees to lessen stress.
As mentioned previously, if your tree has dead, damaged or dying limbs you should prune them immediately. This should be done regardless of the season for tree health as well as for safety measures. You don’t want a huge dead branch to come crashing down on your house in a severe summer storm. Be sure to remove these promptly.
Autumn
Autumn is another suitable time for Brisbane tree trimming, especially fruit trees. With temperatures cooling down, and rainfall increasing, a lot of trees will enter a period of dormancy. Meaning that trimming shouldn’t disrupt the growth cycle. Pruning your trees in the autumn months can help to prepare them for cooler winter months ahead.
Winter
Even though winters in Brisbane are fairly mild, winter is not generally considered to be an ideal time for tree trimming. Pruning can absolutely be done safely at this time if necessary. Just be sure to avoid trimming any frost sensitive trees or those that may already be stressed by the cooler temperatures.
Tree Care Made Easy!
Take the hard work out of your tree care. For all your professional tree trimming and maintenance needs in Brisbane, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We provide a full range of professional tree care services. From tree pruning to our Consulting Arborist Service, tree removals to stump grinding, whatever your tree issue, we’ve got the solution!