When Is the Best Time to Trim Trees in Virginia?

The best time to trim most trees in Virginia is during the dormant season -- late December through early March. But the right timing depends on the type of tree, why you're trimming, and whether there's an urgent safety concern. After 14+ years of tree trimming throughout Hampton Roads, here's our complete guide to getting the timing right.

Why Winter Is Generally the Best Time to Trim

There's a reason arborists across Virginia recommend dormant-season pruning for most trees. Here's what makes winter the sweet spot:

• Trees are dormant: With growth paused, trimming causes less stress. The tree isn't diverting energy to heal wounds while also trying to push out new growth.
• Disease risk is lowest: Most fungal pathogens, bacteria, and insect pests are inactive in cold weather. Fresh pruning cuts in winter are far less likely to become infection points.
• Better visibility: Without leaves, you can see the entire branch structure of deciduous trees. This makes it much easier to identify crossing branches, weak attachments, dead limbs, and structural problems.
• Faster spring recovery: Trees pruned in late winter put out vigorous new growth in spring, quickly sealing over pruning cuts.
• Less lawn damage: Dormant grass and frozen or firm ground means our equipment leaves fewer tracks in your yard.

In Hampton Roads, our winters are mild enough that we can trim comfortably through the season. We rarely lose workdays to extreme cold, which means January and February are prime trimming months for our crews.

Best Trimming Time by Tree Type

Deciduous Shade Trees (Oaks, Maples, Sweetgums, Tulip Poplars)

Best time: January - February

These are the backbone of Hampton Roads landscapes. Trim them in the heart of winter when they're fully dormant. Avoid pruning oaks from April through August -- the warm months are when oak wilt disease is most easily transmitted through fresh wounds. Red oaks are especially vulnerable.

Willow oaks, which line practically every street in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, respond well to winter crown thinning. This opens up the canopy, reduces wind resistance, and lets light through to your lawn below.

Flowering Trees (Crape Myrtles, Dogwoods, Redbuds, Magnolias)

Best time: It depends on when they bloom.

The rule of thumb for flowering trees is simple: if it blooms in spring, prune it right after it flowers. If it blooms in summer, prune it in late winter.

Evergreen Trees (Pines, Hollies, Cedars, Leyland Cypress)

Best time: Late winter to early spring (February - March)

Evergreens generally need less pruning than deciduous trees, but when they do need attention, late winter is ideal. Loblolly pines -- everywhere in Hampton Roads -- benefit from crown cleaning to remove dead branches and reduce weight on long limbs.

Hollies and Leyland cypress can be shaped in late winter before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as it stimulates tender new growth that may not harden off before a cold snap.

Fruit Trees (Apple, Peach, Fig, Pear)

Best time: Late January - late February

Fruit trees need annual pruning to maintain production. Prune while dormant but close to the start of the growing season. In Hampton Roads, late February is usually the sweet spot -- after the coldest weather but before buds start swelling in March.

Signs Your Tree Needs Trimming Now

While dormant season is ideal for planned trimming, some situations shouldn't wait regardless of the calendar:

Safety Hazards (Trim Immediately)

• Dead branches hanging overhead: Called "hangers" or "widow makers," these can fall at any time. Remove them as soon as you spot them.
• Branches touching or near power lines: Contact Dominion Energy for branches in the lines, but branches growing toward them should be trimmed before they make contact.
• Storm-damaged limbs: Cracked, split, or partially broken branches from a storm are immediate hazards. See our storm damage cleanup guide.
• Branches rubbing against your roof or siding: These cause physical damage to your home and provide pest access points.
• Obstructed sightlines: Branches blocking street signs, traffic views, or driveway visibility are safety issues.

Health Concerns (Trim Promptly)

• Diseased or infected branches: Pruning out diseased limbs can prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the tree. Cut well below the visible damage.
• Crossed or rubbing branches: Where two branches rub together, both develop wounds that invite disease. Remove the weaker of the two.
• Dense, tangled canopy: Poor airflow through the canopy promotes fungal disease, which thrives in Hampton Roads' humid summers.

Benefits of Regular Tree Trimming

Regular professional trimming does more than just keep your trees looking good. Here's what proper maintenance accomplishes:

• Reduces storm damage risk: A properly thinned canopy lets wind pass through rather than catching it like a sail. This is critical in Hampton Roads' storm-prone climate.
• Promotes tree health: Removing dead, diseased, and competing branches lets the tree focus its energy on strong, healthy growth.
• Prevents property damage: Keeping branches away from your roof, siding, gutters, and power lines prevents costly repairs.
• Improves sunlight and airflow: Your lawn, garden, and the tree itself all benefit from a well-maintained canopy.
• Increases property value: Well-maintained trees are a major asset. Neglected, overgrown trees are a liability. Mature, healthy trees can add 10-15% to a property's value.
• Avoids costly emergency work: Regular maintenance trimming costs a fraction of emergency storm damage cleanup.

DIY Tree Trimming vs. Calling a Professional

Some trimming you can handle yourself. Some you absolutely should not. Here's where to draw the line:

You Can Handle It (DIY)

• Branches you can reach from the ground with a hand pruner or pole saw
• Branches under 3 inches in diameter
• Dead twigs and small deadwood cleanup
• Shaping small ornamental trees and shrubs
• Removing suckers and water sprouts from the base

Call a Professional

• Any branch requiring a ladder: Ladders and chainsaws are the most dangerous combination in tree work. This is how serious injuries happen.
• Branches near power lines: Only trained professionals should work near electrical lines. Contact with a power line can be fatal.
• Branches over 4 inches in diameter: These are heavy. A 6-inch oak limb can weigh hundreds of pounds and cause serious damage if it falls uncontrolled.
• Work requiring climbing or a bucket truck: Professional climbers and aerial lift operators have years of training and proper safety equipment.
• Major structural pruning: Crown reduction, crown thinning, and corrective pruning require training to execute without damaging the tree.
• Any tree you're unsure about: When in doubt, get a professional opinion. A bad pruning cut can cause permanent damage or lead to the need for full tree removal down the road.

Virginia Tree Trimming Calendar at a Glance

Schedule Your Tree Trimming Today

At Tree Stump Removal and Excavation, we provide professional tree trimming services throughout Hampton Roads. Whether you need routine maintenance pruning, storm prep work, or emergency branch removal, our experienced crew handles it safely and correctly.

Call or text us at (757) 899-9700 for a free, no-obligation estimate. We serve Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield, and all surrounding areas.