Why Winter Is the Best Time to Prune Trees in Missouri

When it comes to caring for your trees here in Missouri, timing matters. While trees may require attention throughout the year, winter offers unique advantages for major pruning work.

Here in the St. Louis area, those bare branches aren’t just a sign of winter – they’re an opportunity for important tree maintenance that will pay off for a long time to come. Here’s why you should consider scheduling professional pruning this winter.

Key Takeaways

• The need for tree pruning changes with the seasons, but winter offers the best opportunity to perform major pruning work in the St. Louis and St. Charles area.
• Winter’s bare branches and frozen ground make it easier and safer to remove large branches while protecting your lawn and landscaping.
• Heavy structural pruning during winter helps trees better withstand Missouri’s severe storms and improves spring growth.
• Trees heal better from winter pruning because they’re dormant, giving them time to seal pruning cuts before spring growth begins.

Tree Care Changes with the Seasons

Tree pruning can and should happen year-round. Here at Mathias Precision, we offer professional pruning 365 days a year. Especially for emergency situations when people or property is at risk due to dangerous branches or structural issues.

But trees undergo a lot of change with each season, so it’s important to consider the season when pruning your trees, especially for heavier jobs where a fair bit of the canopy will be removed.

Here’s a closer look at what each season is best for, so you can make informed decisions for the health of your trees:

• Spring: This is the perfect time to prune flowering trees right after they bloom – it helps them produce even more flowers next spring. It’s also when we check for and repair any damage from winter ice and snow. Spring pruning focuses on shaping younger trees and removing storm-damaged branches.
• Summer: With trees in full leaf, it’s easier to spot dead branches since they’ll stand out against the healthy, green ones. Summer is great for light pruning work, like removing these dead branches before they can fall during storms. But we generally avoid heavy pruning, as trees are already under incredible stress in the summer.
• Fall: As trees prepare for winter, the focus shifts to preventing winter storm damage. We look for branches that might break under ice and snow, especially those hanging over homes, driveways, or power lines. Light pruning in the fall is all about making trees safer for winter.
• Winter: This is when we can do the bigger pruning jobs most effectively. Without leaves in the way, we can see every branch clearly. Plus, the frozen ground lets us get our equipment exactly where it needs to be without damaging your lawn.

Does your tree need to be pruned? The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends you check your trees after a storm to identify any weak or damaged branches that could fall and cause injury or extensive property damage.

What Is Heavy Structural Pruning?

Some pruning jobs are bigger than others. Heavy structural pruning involves removing larger branches to improve how a tree grows and how it handles storms. While regular

maintenance pruning is like a light trim, structural pruning reshapes the tree to make it stronger and healthier for years to come.

What goes into structural pruning:

• Removing branches bigger than 3 inches across to improve the tree’s shape
• Taking out branches that compete with the main trunk
• Lightening heavy limbs that could break in storms
• Creating space between branches so air can flow through the tree
• Removing damaged branches before they become dangerous

During these heavier pruning jobs, a significant portion of the canopy may be removed. This can cause a fair bit of stress to trees, which need their canopy to photosynthesize and create energy.

That’s why this type of pruning is best done in winter when trees are dormant. They’re not actively growing, they aren’t trying to photosynthesize, and they can focus on healing their pruning wounds rather than putting out new growth.

Here are a few more reasons you should save big pruning jobs for winter here in Eastern Missouri.

Why Winter Pruning Works So Well

Clear Visibility Makes Work More Precise

When trees lose their leaves, our arborists can see exactly how branches grow and connect. We can easily spot every crack, weak point, or problem area. This clear view helps us make better decisions about which branches to keep and which to remove.

Protecting Your Property

Winter’s frozen ground is a vital advantage for heavy pruning work. Our equipment can access hard-to-reach areas without leaving ruts in your lawn or damaging your garden beds. Since perennial plants are dormant, falling branches won’t impact your landscaping. This means when spring arrives, your whole yard bounces back undamaged.

More Flexible Scheduling

Winter is typically a slower season for tree work. This means we can often offer more scheduling options with a much shorter lead time. It’s a great time to tackle those bigger pruning projects you’ve been putting off.

How Winter Pruning Benefits Your Trees

Trees Rest in Winter

Just like many animals hibernate in winter, trees enter a period of rest called dormancy. During this time, they’re not actively growing or producing leaves. This makes winter the perfect time for major pruning because the tree can focus its energy on healing rather than growth.

Protection from Disease

Missouri winters help protect trees from diseases and pests. When we make pruning cuts in cold weather, there’s less chance of infection, as many pathogens and insects are inactive at this time. This is especially important for oak trees, which can be affected by oak wilt in warmer months.

Oak wilt can kill trees rapidly, often within a year. That’s why the state highly discourages pruning from mid-march thru June.

Better Healing

Trees have a natural process called compartmentalization – it’s how they seal off wounds and prevent decay. The tree uses all its stored energy to seal pruning cuts before putting out new leaves, giving it the best chance at a healthy recovery.

Ready for Missouri Weather

Our state sees everything from spring storms to summer heat and tornados all the way to winter ice. Winter pruning helps trees handle whatever weather comes their way. By removing weak or damaged branches and improving the tree’s structure, we help prevent storm damage before it happens.

Stronger Spring Growth

When spring arrives, a winter-pruned tree can direct its energy to its strongest branches rather than the ones that were struggling. This leads to better growth patterns and a healthier tree overall. Plus, with problem branches already removed, your tree can focus on new, healthy growth, providing you with a healthier, more vibrant tree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Pruning

Do I need a permit for winter pruning in St. Louis or St Charles County?

While routine pruning typically doesn’t require permits, removing large sections of trees may require approval in some municipalities. Contact your local government office for specific requirements.

What about trees near power lines?

Never prune branches near power lines – this work must be done by qualified utility crews. Contact Ameren Missouri for assistance with trees affecting power lines. This is best done before summer storm season, when their crews are stretched thin.

What if winter pruning reveals a serious tree problem?

Sometimes, winter pruning exposes internal decay or structural issues. Our Certified Arborists can assess the situation and recommend appropriate action to protect your property. If the tree can be saved, we’re happy to suggest preservation techniques. But if the tree is too far gone, and will put your property at risk, we’ll provide you with a tree removal estimate.

How do winter weather advisories affect pruning work?

We monitor local weather conditions carefully and schedule work accordingly to ensure both safety and quality results. We can’t send our team out unless it’s safe to do so, but we’re prepared around the clock.

Make Winter Work for Your Trees

While tree care happens year-round, winter offers special advantages for major pruning work and canopy shaping. Winter dormancy provides unobstructed visibility while the frozen ground makes it easy for our equipment to access any property with minimal impact.

If you’re ready to plan your winter pruning to ensure your trees can be as safe and beautiful as possible next spring, then call us today at 314-322-7690 for a free estimate.