December: A Great Time for Tree Care

As the holidays settle in and Northern Virginia shifts into winter mode, most homeowners turn their attention to lights, decorations, and cozy indoor traditions. But December is also one of the best times of the year to give your trees a little seasonal care. In fact, winter tree pruning is like giving your landscape its own holiday gift—one that pays off long after the decorations come down.

Here’s why now is the ideal time to schedule pruning, especially for the trees that stand tall around your home all year long.

Trees Are Dormant—Which Means Less Stress
During winter, most of our local trees—oaks, maples, poplars, cherries, and others—enter dormancy. Just like you might slow down during the colder months, trees do the same.
This “rest period” makes pruning far easier on them, reducing sap loss and minimizing stress. Think of it as trimming a tree while it sleeps: gentle, clean, and restorative.

Better Visibility Helps Us Prune With Precision
Once the leaves have fallen, a tree’s structure becomes clear. Certified arborists can see:

• Weak or crossing limbs

• Storm-damaged areas

• Diseased or deadwood

• Branches that are too close to your home or roof

With unobstructed limbs, we can prune the tree more accurately—giving it a cleaner silhouette that will look gorgeous come spring.

Reduced Risk of Disease Spread
Many tree diseases and insects are inactive in winter, meaning pruning wounds are far less likely to become infected. This is especially important for species susceptible to fungal issues or insect-borne diseases during warmer months. Winter pruning helps ensure your tree heads into spring healthier, stronger, and ready to push new growth.

It’s the Perfect Time to Prep for Winter Storms
Northern Virginia sees its fair share of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. Weak or overextended limbs are more likely to break under pressure—especially during freeze/thaw cycles. Pruning before peak winter weather helps:

• Remove hazards

• Protect your roof, cars, and walkways

• Improve wind flow through the canopy

It’s a simple way to keep holiday mishaps off your list of seasonal surprises.

Your Yard Will Look Better for Spring
Think of winter pruning as laying the groundwork for a beautiful spring display. By selectively pruning your trees now, you’re encouraging healthier growth and a more balanced canopy once warmer temperatures return.

Your spring curb appeal will thank you.

A Gift That Keeps Your Trees Healthy All Year
If your holiday season includes decorating outdoor trees, hosting relatives, or simply enjoying your winter landscape, a well-pruned tree helps everything feel cleaner, safer, and more polished. Plus, scheduling in December means you beat the spring rush—when everyone else suddenly remembers their trees again.

Ready to Give Your Trees the Best Kind of Holiday Cheer?
Our team is here all winter long! Whether you need pruning, trimming, safety inspections, or advice on how to protect your trees through the colder months, we’re happy to help.