February 11, 2026
When trees shed their leaves and growth slows, it’s easy to assume tree care should wait until spring. In reality, the dormant season - typically late fall through winter - is one of the best times to schedule tree pruning. While landscapes may look quiet, this period offers unique advantages that support tree health.
At New Urban Forestry, we take a thoughtful approach to tree care. When the tree leaves appear and we emerge from winter’s slumber, it’s tempting to get an early jump on the landscape to-do list. However, one shouldn’t feel rushed to prune but instead consider scheduling work when the timing is right for the trees.
Dormancy is a natural phase in a tree’s life cycle. During this time, growth slows significantly when the leaves fall, and energy is conserved within the roots and trunk. Evergreens, on the other hand, do not go truly dormant but instead they enter a state of reduced metabolism. This resting period allows trees to recover from the demands of the growing season and prepare for new growth in spring.
Aside from the health benefits of pruning within the dormant season, problem areas are more obvious in the absence of leaves. With improved visibility, defects such as these are more apparent:
Pruning trees within dormancy generally causes less stress than when performed during the growing season. With energy stored and growth paused, trees are able to withstand pruning cuts if done correctly and begin the wound closure process by the time spring arrives. Furthermore, trees can direct their resources toward more stable branches with the goal of reducing the likelihood of failure.
Another advantage of winter pruning is reduced pest and disease activity. Many insects and pathogens are inactive during colder months, which lowers the risk of spreading disease and drawing insects to fresh pruning cuts.This is especially important for trees that are susceptible to certain pests or fungal issues.
Springtime is traditionally one of the busiest times for New Urban Forestry and scheduling in advance can ensure that we can perform your needs in a timely manner. When trees emerge from dormancy, homeowners tend to get going on their landscape projects, and consequently demand increases quickly within this timeframe. Planning tree care in the new year allows you to schedule services early and avoid delays.
The dormant season allows us to take a breath and look at the big picture before the hustle and bustle of spring. Planning tree care now isn’t just about maintenance; it’s about stewardship. It’s an opportunity to improve the outdoor spaces that matter most to you and ensure that your trees continue to remain a viable contribution to the Urban Forest in which you live.
No matter the season, NUF is available year around to meet your tree care needs. Give us a call today to set up an appointment with one of our highly skilled Certified Arborists. As always, life is better with trees and trees are better with us!
