2025-02-10 Pruning

The Best Time of Year to Trim Trees in Georgia

When you prune a tree is almost as important as how you prune it. Bad timing can invite disease, kill new growth, or weaken the tree for years. Here's the seasonal guide we use for Athens, Georgia trees.

Late winter (January–March): the gold standard

For most deciduous Athens trees — maples, hickories, sweetgums, dogwoods — late winter is the ideal pruning window. The tree is dormant, no leaves obscure the structure, wound-closure starts as soon as spring growth resumes, and most disease vectors aren't active. If you're going to do one pruning session a year, do it in February.

Oaks: avoid April through July

Oak wilt is a real risk in Georgia. The disease is spread by sap-feeding beetles attracted to fresh pruning wounds. Pruning oaks from late spring through midsummer can introduce the disease and kill the tree. Stick to dormant-season pruning for oaks whenever possible. Emergency storm damage cuts can be made any time, but should be sealed.

Pines: year-round, but spring is best

Loblolly pines and other Southern pines can be pruned safely throughout the year in Athens. Spring is best for shaping, since you'll see growth response quickly. Avoid heavy pruning in extreme summer heat or right before deep freezes.

Fruit trees: late winter for production

Peaches, apples, pears and figs should be pruned in late winter before bud break. Pruning during dormancy stimulates the fruit-producing wood for the coming season.

Crepe myrtles: light cleanup only

Please don't 'crepe murder' your crepe myrtles by topping them in late winter. Light cleanup of dead wood and crossing branches is all that's needed. Topping ruins the natural form and creates weak, ugly regrowth.

Storm damage: any time

Damaged branches should be removed promptly regardless of season. A clean cut at the proper location heals far better than a jagged break, even if the timing isn't ideal.