Why Winter Is the Best Time to Trim Your Oaks

If you have oak trees on your property, you know how valuable they are — strong, beautiful, and deeply rooted in Michigan’s landscape. But did you know winter is the safest and most beneficial time to trim your oak trees?

At Galaxy Tree Service, our certified arborists recommend scheduling oak pruning during the dormant season (roughly November through March) to keep your trees healthy and protected — especially from one of Michigan’s most serious tree diseases: oak wilt.

Here’s why timing your oak trimming matters more than you might think.

Timing Is Everything: The Danger of Pruning in Spring and Summer

When temperatures rise, tiny beetles become active — and these insects are attracted to the sap produced by fresh pruning cuts. Unfortunately, those same beetles can carry oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease that can kill red and pin oaks within 6–8 weeks of infection.

Pruning during the warmer months opens a door for these beetles and the disease they spread. That’s why the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and certified arborists alike strongly recommend avoiding oak trimming from April through October.

By waiting until winter, you protect your oaks from these active insects — and prevent oak wilt before it starts.

Why Winter Oak Pruning Is Best

When trees enter their dormant stage, they slow their growth and conserve energy. This period is ideal for pruning because it:

• Reduces stress on the tree — pruning wounds heal more efficiently when the tree isn’t actively growing.
• Minimizes disease risk — oak wilt and other fungal pathogens are inactive in cold weather.
• Improves visibility — with no leaves blocking the view, arborists can easily identify dead, crossing, or weak branches.
• Promotes balanced growth — clean winter cuts direct spring energy into healthy new branches and foliage.

The result? Stronger, healthier oaks that are less likely to break in storms and better prepared for spring growth.

The Benefits Go Beyond Disease Prevention

While disease control is the biggest reason to prune oaks in winter, there are plenty of other perks:

• Safer conditions — frozen ground helps protect lawns from equipment and reduces soil compaction.
• Better shaping — it’s easier to assess branch structure without leaves, allowing for more precise pruning.
• Prepares for spring storms — trimming removes weak limbs before wind or ice can bring them down.

Winter oak pruning is truly a win-win for both tree health and property safety.

What Kind of Oak Pruning Do You Need?

Every oak is unique, and proper trimming depends on its size, age, and location. Our certified arborists at Galaxy Tree Service perform several types of pruning:

• Crown cleaning: Removing dead or diseased branches.
• Crown thinning: Improving air circulation and light penetration.
• Structural pruning: Strengthening the tree’s framework, especially for young oaks.
• Hazard pruning: Eliminating limbs that pose a risk to buildings or power lines.

We never over-prune or “top” trees — a harmful practice that weakens oaks and makes them more susceptible to decay.

Trust the Experts at Galaxy Tree Service

Our team of certified arborists and experienced climbers are trained in the safe, science-based trimming techniques that protect oak health and prevent the spread of disease.

We’re passionate about preserving Michigan’s oaks for generations to come — and winter is the time to do it right.

Call (855) 648-7337 or visit 🌐 galaxytree.com to schedule your winter oak trimming service today.
Protect your trees now for a greener, healthier spring. 🌳✨