An arborist uses climbing safety gear to prune an oak tree along a road. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Mike Hillstrom, Forest Invasive Pest Coordinator, Fitchburg
Michael.Hilstrom@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-7690

Winter is an ideal time to perform trimming, cutting and brush removal work on and near trees, especially oak trees.

Winter is the best time to prune because the insects and diseases that attack oak trees, such as oak wilt, are not active. Pruning and other work can be done around oak trees from after the first hard freeze in the fall until the high-risk period for oak wilt begins in April.

Trees pruned during the winter seal pruning wounds rapidly and naturally when spring arrives. Once leaves are off the trees, it’s much easier to find areas that might need pruning or other work. And if you accidentally damage an oak tree during brush removal or other work during the winter, the tree will seal those wounds in early spring, just like pruning wounds.

Pruning during winter applies to most tree and shrub species, not just oaks. So, take advantage of nice days before the end of March to get your tree maintenance work completed.

Consider hiring a certified arborist to perform pruning or other tree maintenance work, particularly for large trees, as arborists often have access to specialized equipment, such as bucket trucks or climbing gear, to safely complete the work.

Learn more about how to properly prune and care for trees at the DNR’s Tree Learning Center.