When Not to Cut Trees (And Why Timing Matters)

Most homeowners know that trees need to be trimmed or removed occasionally — but cutting at the wrong time can do more harm than good. In fact, pruning or cutting trees during the wrong season can lead to disease, poor regrowth, or even death.

At Affordable Tree Service Today, we help homeowners across New Orleans and surrounding areas make the right decisions about tree trimming, tree removal, and overall tree health.

Here’s how to know when not to cut trees and why timing matters.

1. Don’t Cut Trees During Spring Growth

Spring might feel like the perfect time for yard work, but it’s actually one of the worst times to cut trees.

During early spring, trees are pushing out new leaves and using stored energy from winter. Cutting them now can:

Stress the tree and weaken its growth
Make it more vulnerable to pests and diseases
Reduce blooms for flowering species like crepe myrtles or magnolias

Best alternative: Wait until late winter or after the new growth has hardened later in the season.

2. Avoid Cutting Trees During Hot Louisiana Summers

Here in New Orleans, our summers are long, humid, and hot — and trees feel it, too. Cutting or heavily pruning in mid-summer can:
- Shock the tree due to heat stress
- Cause excessive sap flow and water loss
- Expose bark to intense sunlight, leading to sunscald
If trimming is absolutely necessary during summer (for safety or storm preparation), keep cuts light and let professionals handle it.

3. Don’t Cut Trees During Fall (Unless It’s an Emergency)

Fall might seem ideal, but it’s actually another poor time to prune or cut trees. During fall, trees are preparing to go dormant — pruning stimulates new growth that won’t have time to harden before cooler temperatures arrive.
In Louisiana, this can cause dieback and leave the tree vulnerable to fungal infections over winter.
Exceptions:
- Dead or dangerously leaning trees can be removed any time of year.
  If you suspect a tree is unsafe, contact us for tree removal in New Orleans right away.

4. Avoid Cutting During Heavy Rainy or Storm Seasons

The Gulf Coast’s storm season (June–November) brings strong winds and soaked soil. Cutting trees during or right after storms can be dangerous — unstable ground and slippery conditions increase the risk of accidents.

For large or hazardous trees, it’s best to let certified experts like Affordable Tree Service Today handle the job safely.

When Is the Best Time to Cut Trees?

Generally, late winter to early spring (January–March in New Orleans) is ideal for most tree work. Trees are dormant, sap flow is minimal, and there’s less risk of disease.

This is the perfect time to schedule tree trimming in New Orleans or even safe removals before hurricane season.

Need Expert Advice on Tree Care?

At Affordable Tree Service Today, we provide:

Professional tree trimming
Safe tree removal
Thorough stump grinding
Free, no-obligation assessments

We proudly serve New Orleans and nearby areas — Metairie, Kenner and more within 30 miles.

TREE SERVICE NEAR NEW ORLEANS, LA

Need help with tree issues or a project? Call now for fast, reliable service.