Winter is our busiest season
Dormant trees, sleeping beetles and frozen ground make December through March the best time for most tree work in Minnesota.
Six reasons to book now
No disease beetles
Oak wilt and Dutch elm disease beetles are dormant, so fresh cuts carry almost no infection risk.
Frozen ground
Equipment rolls over frozen lawns without ruts, and garden beds rest safely under snow.
Clear structure
Without leaves, climbers see crossing limbs, weak unions and deadwood instantly.
Faster spring healing
Trees seal pruning wounds quickly when spring growth starts a few weeks later.
Easier scheduling
Openings within one to two weeks, compared to a month wait in May.
Dormant season pricing
Book between December and March 15 for 10% off pruning (sample offer).
A winter checklist for homeowners
- Knock heavy wet snow off evergreens with an upward sweep of a broom
- Keep de-icing salt away from root zones and boulevard trees
- Wrap thin-barked young trees against sunscald
- Watch for new cracks or leaning after ice storms
- Book oak and elm pruning before April 1
The dormant season, month by month
- november
Leaves down, walkthroughs begin
We assess structure while it is easy to see and build your winter work list.
- december
Oak and elm pruning
Priority for disease-sensitive species once the beetles are fully dormant.
- january
Large removals
Frozen ground carries heavy equipment for big backyard removals with minimal lawn damage.
- february
Snow load checks
After heavy wet snow we check evergreens, split-prone maples and cabling systems.
- march
Fruit trees and final cuts
Apple and crabapple pruning just before bud break, and wrap-up before April 1.
A little extra for planning ahead
Mention the code when you book, or add it to your estimate request.
Winter questions
Can't find your answer? An arborist, not a call center, gets back to you the same business day.
See all questionsTrees are not harmed by cold-weather pruning. We pause below about minus 10 for crew safety and because frozen wood gets brittle.
Yes. Snow cushions falling debris and protects lawns. We clear a work path and plow access if needed.
Thin-barked young maples and lindens benefit from a light-colored trunk wrap from November to April to prevent sunscald cracks. Remove it in spring.
Winter burn from sun and wind drying the foliage while roots are frozen. Deep watering in fall and burlap screens help.
Get on the winter schedule.
Free, itemized estimates from an ISA-certified arborist, usually within 5 business days.
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