Oak tree trimming - Ask Extension
I have a number of oaks with dead limbs and would like to trim them back. Can I do this now or do I need to wait until fall/winter? Thank you.
Jo...
Knowledgebase
Oak tree trimming #877384
Asked July 15, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT
I have a number of oaks with dead limbs and would like to trim them back. Can I do this now or do I need to wait until fall/winter? Thank you.
Joan
Iosco County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Joan, Thank you for your inquiry re. your oak trees. Because of the prevalence of Oak Wilt disease in Michigan, the only safe time to prune oak trees is in the winter. At that time, the insects that vector the disease are not active, and the trees are dormant.
More important than knowing when to prune out dead limbs is understanding why you have so many dead limbs. Perhaps the trees are old an are beginning to decline. But there could also be a disease or cultural issue that needs to be addressed.
If you are concerned about the health of your trees, it may be helpful to consult with a local arborist to ensure that there are no underlying issues. Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way to examine your trees and make recommendations regarding their health, any needed judicial pruning, and whether or not (in his opinion) they should be removed or treated. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist. You can find a certified arborist in your area here:
http://www.treesaregood.org/
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.
More important than knowing when to prune out dead limbs is understanding why you have so many dead limbs. Perhaps the trees are old an are beginning to decline. But there could also be a disease or cultural issue that needs to be addressed.
If you are concerned about the health of your trees, it may be helpful to consult with a local arborist to ensure that there are no underlying issues. Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way to examine your trees and make recommendations regarding their health, any needed judicial pruning, and whether or not (in his opinion) they should be removed or treated. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist. You can find a certified arborist in your area here:
http://www.treesaregood.org/
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.
Thank you.
Joan
