Is Trimming Your Trees in Spring a Good Call?
The do’s, the don’ts, and what to watch out for
We get it. Spring rolls around, the weather warms up, and suddenly everyone’s outside looking at their trees like, “Should I be trimming that?”
Totally natural instinct. After all, spring growth brings out all the weird limbs and scraggly bits you didn’t notice over winter.
But before you fire up the pole saw, here’s what you need to know about spring tree trimming in Austin—from the local pros at Blade Runner Tree Services.
The Short Answer: Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Spring is a mixed bag when it comes to pruning. Some trees love a light trim in spring. Others? Not so much. Especially if we’re talking about oaks. (More on that below.)
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Good candidates for spring trimming:
- Crepe Myrtles
- Cedar Elms
- Hackberries
- Fruit trees (early spring is best)
Trees to avoid trimming in spring:
- Live Oaks & Red Oaks — these are high risk for oak wilt, a deadly disease that spreads like wildfire this time of year.
The Big Risk: Oak Wilt
If you take nothing else from this blog, remember this:
Never trim oaks from February through June unless it’s an emergency—and if you have to, seal those cuts immediately.
Why? Because spring is peak season for the beetles that spread oak wilt. One cut on an oak tree can turn into a neighborhood-wide problem.
At Blade Runner, we offer oak wilt-safe pruning and emergency storm cleanup if something breaks. We’ll keep your trees healthy and protect your neighbors’ trees too.
Want to learn more? The Texas A&M Forest Service has great info on the spread and prevention of oak wilt.
So When Should You Trim?
Here’s our general cheat sheet:
- Winter: Best for structural pruning, shaping, and oak trees
- Early spring: Great for most flowering and fruiting trees
- Summer: OK for minor clean-up, not major cuts
- Fall: Best avoided—trees are storing energy for dormancy
Not sure where your tree fits? Let us take a look. We’ll tell you if it needs a trim now or if it’s better to wait—and we’ll never upsell you something that could harm your tree.
Pro Tip: Timing Matters More Than You Think
Tree trimming isn’t just about looks—it affects health, lifespan, and how well your tree handles wind, heat, and drought.
Done right, a spring trim can:
- Encourage stronger growth
- Improve shape and clearance
- Remove weak limbs before summer storms hit
Done wrong, it can invite disease or stress the tree right before temps hit triple digits.
Tree Trouble? Let Blade Runner Handle Your Trimming.
We’re local, certified, and tree-obsessed (in a good way). Whether your trees need a spring clean-up, a full trim, or just an expert eye—we’ll show up, tell it like it is, and get the job done right.
Serving Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park, and surrounding areas.
- Fully insured
- ISA-certified arborists
- No pushy sales—just honest advice and expert care
Call us at (512) 945-6011
Get a free quote
