When the temperature drops in Western NC, most people stop thinking about tree care. But winter and early spring are the best times to schedule tree work.
In autumn, leaves fall and trees take a winter break until warmer spring temperatures "wake them up". We recommend doing most tree work during this dormant period if possible.
A tree’s normal reaction to pruning is to stimulate new growth and to close the wound made by the pruning cut. When pruning is done in the winter, it doesn’t cause new growth until spring, at which time the tree has access to the moisture, sunlight and nutrients it needs to support healthy growth.