What to Know About Trimming Trees in the Summer
Hey there! As soon as the temperatures start climbing here in Albuquerque, my phone starts ringing with the same question: “Can I trim my trees in summer, or am I going to kill them?” It’s a great question, and one that deserves a straightforward answer.
The quick version? Yes, you can trim trees in summer but there are some important “buts” to consider. After spending years helping local homeowners manage their trees through scorching heat and those wild monsoon storms, I’ve learned when summer trimming makes perfect sense and when it’s better to put those pruning shears away until fall.
Let me walk you through what you need to know about summer tree care in our unique desert climate.
When Summer Trimming Actually Makes Sense
Contrary to what you might have heard, summer isn’t automatically off-limits for tree trimming. In fact, for certain situations, it’s exactly the right time to get those branches taken care of:
Those dead or broken branches? Don’t wait another minute. Dead wood is dead wood, regardless of season, and it only invites trouble—pests move in, disease can spread, and when those summer storms hit, those compromised branches become missiles headed for your roof or car.
Speaking of storms, if your tree has already suffered damage from our infamous monsoon winds, immediate trimming helps prevent further injury. The tree can heal better when you clean up ragged breaks promptly rather than letting them tear and split further.
If you’ve got branches scraping against your house, hanging over your roof, or blocking walkways, summer is a perfectly fine time to address these issues. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re potential hazards that could cause property damage.
Here in our dry climate, fire risk is another legitimate reason for summer trimming. Removing excessive or dense growth, especially near your home, creates defensible space that can slow or stop fire spread.
Some trees benefit from selective thinning during growing season. Opening up the canopy a bit can improve air circulation and let more sunlight reach your lawn or garden plants below. This is especially helpful for fruit trees or if you’re trying to grow anything under the shade of a large tree.
When to Hold Off on the Summer Cuts
While summer trimming isn’t automatically bad, there are definitely situations where patience is the better approach:
- If your tree just pushed out a flush of new growth, let it be for a while. Fresh leaves and shoots are working hard to produce energy for the tree, and removing them too soon can stress the tree during the hottest months.
- Major reshaping or structural pruning—the kind where you’re removing large branches or significantly altering the tree’s form—is generally better saved for dormant season (late fall or winter). The tree can recover better when it’s not also battling heat stress.
- Some trees are just sappy characters by nature. Maples, elms, and certain pines can turn into sticky messes if cut during summer. The excessive sap flow won’t necessarily harm the tree, but it can attract pests and create a cleanup headache for you.
When to Call Someone Like Me Instead of DIY
Look, I’m all for handling what you can on your own. But tree work can get dangerous fast, and there are definitely situations where calling in a professional makes sense:
- If you’re looking at branches that hang over power lines or your roof, please put down the ladder. One wrong cut could mean a broken window, damaged roof, or even a dangerous electrical situation. We have specialized equipment and training for these tricky spots.
- When a tree stretches taller than your house, the risk factor multiplies. Professional arborists use proper climbing gear, safety equipment, and techniques that keep both them and your property safe.
- Spotted something that looks like disease or pests? Black spots, unusual growths, or boring holes might signal problems that need expert attention. We can identify issues and selectively remove affected areas before problems spread throughout the tree.
- If it’s been years since your tree’s had any attention, it likely needs more than just a quick trim. We can assess the overall health and structure and develop a pruning plan that might span a couple of seasons to avoid shocking the tree.
- Lastly, if you’re just not sure where or how to make cuts, that’s a perfectly good reason to call us. Improper cuts can create entry points for disease or result in branches that grow back even more problematic than before.
How We Handle Summer Trimming
When my team tackles summer tree trimming, we follow a careful process:
- First, we’ll meet with you and walk your property together. We want to understand your concerns—whether it’s safety issues, aesthetic goals, or specific problems you’ve noticed.
- Next comes a thorough tree inspection. We check for structural weaknesses, disease indicators, pest problems, and identify exactly which branches need attention.
- When we make cuts, we focus on what matters most: dead wood, crossing branches that rub against each other, hazardous limbs, and selective thinning where needed. During summer, we’re especially careful not to remove too much at once, typically staying under 10-15% of the canopy.
- After we’re done, we clean up completely. No branches left leaning against your fence, no twigs buried in your flower beds—we haul it all away.
- For larger trees, sometimes the best approach is phased trimming. We’ll handle the most urgent issues now and schedule follow-up work at the appropriate time.
Let’s Keep Your Trees Thriving Year-Round
Summer doesn’t mean you have to live with problem trees or dangerous branches. With the right approach, we can address immediate concerns while keeping your trees healthy through the heat.
At Red Shovel Landscaping, we’ve been caring for Albuquerque’s trees long enough to know what works in our unique climate. Whether you’re concerned about monsoon damage, fire prevention, or just want your yard looking its best, we’re here to help your trees thrive in every season.
