Oak trees can grow to be absolutely massive as they age. While they’re stunning, sometimes you need to prune them to keep their size in check, clean up storm damage, or deal with disease. Here’s the lowdown on how to properly trim these beautiful hardwoods.
When is the best time to prune an oak?
Before you grab your saw, you might need to check the local rules. In some areas, very old oaks are protected by municipal ordinances. If your tree is on a protected list, you’ll need a permit for pruning to avoid a potential fine. This is especially common for ancient oaks or those growing near public spaces.
You also need to keep an eye on the calendar for our feathered friends. During nesting season, a heavy prune is a big no-no because it disturbs birds raising their young. The sweet spot for pruning is usually early spring. An added bonus of pruning during the colder months? Germs and diseases are less active, so the “wounds” from your cuts are less likely to get infected.
How to prune your oaks
If you have a young oak, you can easily prune it for shape. They’re pretty resilient and usually bounce back with new growth quickly. That said, you don’t *have* to prune them. Oaks are famous for their naturally rugged, gnarly look and will grow beautifully all on their own. With a little patience, your oak will become a centerpiece of the yard for decades to come.
The right way to prune an oak:
- Grab your pruning tools and make sure they are clean and sharp.
- Remove any thin “sucker” branches growing near the bottom of the oak trunk.
- Cut out any deadwood or dried-up branches from the canopy.
- Trim back any diseased or rotting twigs, as well as spots showing fungal growth.
- Seal up larger cuts with a proper pruning sealer to protect the tree.
Old oaks naturally drop deadwood over time. It’s a good idea to clear this out, but since these trees get so tall, safety is the top priority. For big jobs, I highly recommend calling in a professional tree service. They have the right safety gear and can often handle the permit process for you. That way, you can just sit back and enjoy your tree’s majestic silhouette without the heavy lifting!
