Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
The Best Time of Year to Trim a Live Oak Tree
The Best Time of Year to Trim a Live Oak Tree. Live oak (Quecrus virginiana) is a large, long-lived tree with branches that bend and twist. Properly trimmed live oaks have better shape and structure than those that are not trimmed, and they live longer with fewer problems.
Live oak (Quecrus virginiana) is a large, long-lived tree with branches that bend and twist. Properly trimmed live oaks have better shape and structure than those that are not trimmed, and they live longer with fewer problems.
Pruning Timing
Remove dead or diseased limbs any time. Just before the tree begins putting on new leaves in late winter or early spring is the best time for maintenance pruning. Winter pruning can shock the tree, and late summer and fall cuts may not have time to heal before winter sets in.
Pruning Frequency
According to the University of Florida Extension, you should prune live oaks yearly for the first three years. Afterward, prune every five years until the tree is 30 years old. This pruning schedule helps the tree develop a strong branch structure.
Oak Wilt Disease
If oak wilt disease is a problem in your area, take special care when pruning. Oak wilt disease is a fatal disease usually spread by beetles. According to the Texas Forest Service, in early spring the beetles that spread the disease become active, and exposed cuts are vulnerable. Delay pruning until midsummer when the insects are less active, and treat cuts with pruning paint. Oak wilt disease also spreads through infected pruning tools, so disinfect your tools between cuts.
