In the heart of Central Texas, where weather patterns range from scorching summers to surprise winter freezes, knowing when to prune your trees is just as important as how. At Brents Tree Service, we’re passionate about helping homeowners make smart, seasonal decisions that keep their trees healthy, safe, and beautiful year-round.

Late Winter to Early Spring (January to March) is generally the ideal time for pruning most trees in Central Texas. Why? Because trees are dormant during this time, which makes it easier to:

• See the tree’s structure without leaves in the way
• Minimize stress and reduce the risk of disease or pest infestation
• Encourage strong growth as the weather warms

Different trees thrive with different pruning schedules. Here are a few tips:

• Live Oaks: Best pruned in the colder months (January to early February) to avoid spreading oak wilt, a serious and often fatal disease.
• Crape Myrtles: These should be pruned in late winter to early spring—but never topped! Strategic thinning keeps them blooming beautifully without harming the tree.
• Cedar Elms & Pecans: Like Live Oaks, they do well with dormant-season pruning and benefit from careful structural shaping.

Pruning during late spring or summer can stress your trees, especially during periods of drought or extreme heat—something we’re all too familiar with in the Austin area. Additionally, unnecessary trimming during the growing season can slow growth and increase susceptibility to pests.

With many years of experience serving Austin and the surrounding areas, Brents Tree Service knows exactly how to care for your trees at the right time. Whether you need seasonal maintenance or help with a storm-damaged tree, we offer safe, expert pruning that keeps your trees healthy and your property looking its best.

Schedule your seasonal tree pruning today—contact Brents Tree Service and let your trees thrive year-round.