Can You Trim Trees in the Summer?
Making summer cuts to your tree might be worth it if there’s a safety or disease hazard
Highlights
You can trim trees in the summer as long as it’s not a significant trim or done to prevent a hazard.
Summer and fall are considered the worst time to trim trees.
After trimming trees, you shouldn’t paint over the cuts to seal them.
A professional tree trimmer can quickly and safely cut down branches that are larger than 4 inches in diameter.
Trees grow the most in late spring and early summer, and some species may see a growth spurt in the fall. So you may wonder, can I trim my trees in the summer?
It may be tempting to cut your tree back in the height of summer when new growth covers a path or hits a fence, but you risk harming the tree. However, there are some exceptions that make warm-weather trims acceptable. Let’s review if you should trim during the summer, when you should do it, and when to hire a professional tree trimmer for an expert touch.
When You Should Trim Trees in the Summer
You can trim trees in the summer, but it’s only recommended in a handful of situations. If you’re only removing a few small branches on a healthy tree, go ahead. Or if high winds or a major storm caused damage to your tree, trimming is a good idea to avoid a safety issue. Otherwise, summer and fall are considered the worst time to trim trees. Consider the following before you remove branches during the summer:
Is the tree unbalanced? Making sure the tree is balanced is a good safety measure, and it keeps your tree healthy. Trimming to help a struggling tree stand better is recommended.
Are the branches dead or diseased? Diseased branches may spread pathogens to nearby trees, so it’s best to remove them quickly. Dead branches can be a hazard, and shouldn’t harm the tree if you cut it off.
Are the branches near utility lines or another important structure? Tree branches near utility lines can cause disastrous issues, like power outages or even fires. If it seems imminent that the branches could fall on the lines, preventative trimming is a good idea.
Would removing a couple of branches help clear a path? Smaller branches that have grown outward can be annoying and may block a garden path. It’s best to trim these back if they pose a hazard.
Would a trim only be a cosmetic one? If you’re only looking to cut a few small branches to shape up the tree, this shouldn’t harm the tree and is fine to do on a limited basis.
How to Trim Trees in the Summer
If you’re set on making a few cuts before fall, there are few things to keep in mind while you trim.
Make a plan of what branches to cut: Planning ahead will help you understand which branches are necessary to take down, and should keep you from over cutting, making it a quick and easy job.
Make sure your cutting tools are sharp: Not only do dull tools make your work much harder, it can also make it dangerous because more pressure is needed to make the cut.
Only cut up to 20% of the tree: If you’re removing branches to open up the canopy of the tree, it’s best to remove a few limbs that are a few inches in diameter.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Depending on the scope of your tree cutting project, it may be best to hire a local tree trimming professional. These pros are trained in how to cut large or unruly branches greater than 4 inches in diameter, or broken branches that pose a hazard. A tree trimmer will have the gear and equipment necessary to safely remove parts of your tree that you couldn’t otherwise reach or carefully cut with normal tools.
These pros are also knowledgeable about tree species and can make recommendations about how much to cut and when, as some tree species are more sensitive than others. If your tree trimming job is a big one, it’s best to find a tree trimmer near you to get the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to trim trees is in late fall through winter when the tree has slowed its growing for the year. Cold weather stops insects and fungal growth from attacking a new tree wound. Summer and fall are considered the worst times to trim trees, but it’s permissible in certain scenarios, such as tree disease, damaged branches, or small, aesthetic cuts.
No, in most cases, you should not seal cuts after trimming. Sealing a cut may interfere with the tree’s natural healing process. It also won’t prevent pathogens from getting into the tree. Consult a local tree trimming professional for advice on whether or not to apply a pruning sealer after cutting down large tree branches.
You should not trim an oak tree in the summer. Oak trees are especially susceptible to disease, and open tree wounds are an invitation for beetles that carry tree-killing fungus. If there’s no risk that the oak tree will do damage to your property or hurt someone, it’s best to save the trimming for fall or winter. If you can, seal the wound with latex to prevent fungus from getting inside.