Menu

Our Reviews
Ryan Lee
google

I used Driscoll Tree Service for years in Snellville, and now we use them in Atlanta. They do an excellent job every time. Friendly and knowledgeable crew.  Results are always great. Thanks, Driscoll Tree  Service!

Karen Eddlemon
google

Efficient, Affordable, and Professional what more can you ask for in a company. I had a big tree in my yard that needed to be cut down. From the estimate from Michael and the actual job being performed by his crew, everything was satisfactory. Including the clean-up. They’re also licensed and insured so that made selecting for the job even more comfortable. I highly recommend Driscoll Tree Service for your tree removal.

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

Different Types of Trees Should Be Trimmed at Different Times

Towering, intricate, and surprisingly sensitive, trees are among the most impressive living things on Earth. For Metro Atlanta property owners, trees are a central part of the landscape. These functional, living ornaments offer beauty, shade, cleaner air, and even increase property value. When it comes to caring for trees, especially trimming, there's a little more to the job than just grabbing some shears and going to town on overgrown limbs.

secondary

Tree trimming is both a science and an art. Done correctly, it keeps trees healthy, safe, and looking their best. One of the most common mistakes people make, however, is trimming at the wrong time. The right timing can depend on the species of the tree, the season, the weather, and even the time of day.

In this brief article brought to you by your local tree company, Driscoll Tree Service, we offer an abridged guide on when and why to trim different types of trees. 

The Season Matters More Than You Think

Let’s start with the most obvious factor: the seasons. Trees respond to changes in temperature and daylight, so the time of year dramatically affects how a tree reacts to trimming.

  • WINTER (January to Early March): This is often considered the ideal time for trimming many trees. Why? Because they’re dormant (not actively growing) and wounds heal more efficiently. Plus, without foliage in the way, it’s easier to see the tree’s structure and make smarter cuts. Winter trimming helps prepare these trees for a strong burst of growth in spring.
  • SPRING AND SUMMER: While heavy trimming should be avoided during peak growth, light maintenance trimming is okay. This includes removing dead or diseased limbs and light shaping. Avoid aggressive trimming in spring when trees are leafing out, because doing so can interrupt their energy production and stress them.
  • FALL: Surprisingly, fall is generally not the best time for major pruning. Trees are preparing for dormancy and can have a harder time healing. Cuts made in fall may invite pests and fungi into the tree when it’s most vulnerable.

Weather and Time of Day Matter Too

Wet or humid conditions can increase the chance of disease entering fresh cuts. This is why we say tree trimming during dry weather is best. Here in Metro Atlanta, where summers can be steamy and thunderstorms are frequent, timing your tree work for dry stretches makes a difference.

Moreover, avoid trimming during extreme heat waves. Just like us, trees get stressed when it’s too hot - and trimming adds extra strain.

As for the time of day, early morning or late afternoon is preferable, especially during the warmer months. Midday sun can dry out fresh cuts too quickly, while cooler parts of the day give the tree time to recover more gently.

Considering Some Particular Tree Species

Different tree species have different needs. Here are a few common trees in the Atlanta area and the best times to trim them:

  • Crape Myrtle: Prune in late winter before new growth emerges. Avoid “crape murder” (over-cutting) and aim for thoughtful shaping.
  • Pine Trees: Wait to trim your pine tree until after the first full growth in the spring. Mature, established pine trees need very little maintenance, so they should be left alone for the most part.
  • Fruit Trees (Peach, Pear, Apple):  Prune in late winter, just before bud break. This helps direct energy into fruit production rather than wild growth.
  • Magnolias: Should be pruned after flowering, especially Southern Magnolias, to avoid removing future blooms.
  • Evergreens (Holly, Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress): Light pruning can be done almost any time, but before new growth is ideal.

Don’t Go At It Alone - Call in the Experts

With so many variables - species, season, weather, technique - it’s easy to see why professional tree service is often the smartest move. Whether you’re prepping your fruit trees for spring, trying to shape an overgrown maple, or cleaning up storm-damaged limbs, Driscoll Tree Service is available with quality and even emergency service.

We are proud to offer a wide range of services from tree planting and trimming to tree removal services. Call or message Driscoll Tree Service to speak with a member of our team today.

secondary

Other News

blog1
Aug 23,2023
4 Tree Pests to Look Out for this Fall

4 Tree Pests to Look Out for this Fall As the leaves change color and a crisp breeze fills the air, fall shifts the natural world. However, not just the season’s beauty capture our attention. With the changing weather, certain…

Read More
blog1
Jan 21,2025
Best Tips to Clear Overgrown Land

Best Tips to Clear Overgrown Land Land is one of the best investments you can make, but here’s the catch: if you want to unlock its full potential, then you’ve got to cultivate or develop it. Before you can do…

Read More
blog1
Dec 15,2023
Common Land Clearing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Common Land Clearing Mistakes You Should Avoid Land clearing is an essential step in many residential and commercial development projects, whether building new infrastructure, expanding urban areas, or creating agricultural fields. However, the land-clearing process can be overwhelming, increasing the…

Read More
blog1
Jun 05,2025
How To Reduce Heat Stress On Trees

How To Reduce Heat Stress On Trees With summer right around the corner, many of us are gearing up for pool days, vacations, cookouts, and stocking up on sunscreen. Amid all this seasonal preparation, however, there's one important part of…

Read More
blog1
Jul 26,2022
Tree Trimming & Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Tree Trimming & Pruning Mistakes to Avoid Do you have trees on your property that seem in bad condition due to improper tree trimming techniques? This is a common problem that most people make, compromising the health and well-being of…

Read More
blog1
Sep 09,2025
Do I Need a Permit to Remove This Tree? Here's the Real Answer

If you’ve ever stood in your yard and looked up at a big ole tree, then you know the mix of feelings it can stir. On one hand, that tree has probably given your home shade, beauty, and maybe even…

Read More
blog1
Dec 28,2022
How Tree Roots Damaging Your Pipes

How Tree Roots Damaging Your Pipes Trees are attractive elements in your garden that provide shade and enhance the beauty of your space. However, the giant trees can cause problems to your property’s foundation and plumbing system. These roots are…

Read More
blog1
Apr 10,2025
3 Reasons to Have Your Fruit Trees Trimmed This Year

3 Reasons to Have Your Fruit Trees Trimmed This Year Tree trimming might seem like just a haircut for your trees, but it’s much more than aesthetics when it comes to fruit trees. Annual trimming plays a vital role in…

Read More
blog1
Jul 25,2023
Basics of Tree Pruning

Basics of Tree Pruning Trees play a vital role in the ecosystem, from improving landscape appeal to purifying the air. Routine care is essential to improve tree health and longevity, like most living things. Pruning is one of the most…

Read More
blog1
Apr 19,2023
Why My Trees Look Bad

Why My Trees Look Bad Trees are alive and need regular care. Like most living things, they can get injuries or diseases. While it is not always easy to identify signs of infection or infestation in trees, you may have…

Read More