FacebookLinkedinYoutubeInstagram
  • Contact Us
  • (262) 538-1900
Wachtel Tree Science Logo Wachtel Tree Science Retina Logo Wachtel Tree Science Mobile Logo Wachtel Tree Science Mobile Retina Logo

Keeping Trees Healthy & Beautiful Since 1935

  • Services
    • Plant Health Care
    • Sick Trees
    • Fertilization
    • Tree & Shrub Pruning
    • Tree and Shrub Planting Services
    • Tree Cabling Services
    • Construction Protection
    • Root Collar Excavation
    • Tree Removal & Stump Grinding
  • Consulting
    • Municipal Tree Consulting
    • Commercial Tree Consulting
    • Residential Tree Consulting
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Safety and Education
    • Our Team
    • Our Certifications
    • Let’s Get Social
    • Service Area Arborist Locator
    • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • Tree Diseases
    • Tree Pests
    • Our Newsletters
    • Seasonal Tree Care Calendar
  • Careers
  • Contact
Home / Resources / Our Newsletters / Fall / How Often Should Trees Be Pruned?

How Often Should Trees Be Pruned?

Written by: Keith Glaznap, ISA Certified Arborist WI-0678A

Posted: 2023 | Fall | Tree and Shrub Care | Tree and Shrub Pruning

The phrase, ‘early and often’, is one that we have all heard and it can be applied to many things. It turns out that it can and should be applied to pruning your trees.

As homeowners my wife and I knew when we purchased our home that regular maintenance would be necessary to help reduce the chance of larger issues developing over time. For example, we must periodically paint our wood trim to keep the wood from being exposed to moisture, thus reducing costly maintenance or replacement needs in the future.

Regarding trees, it is also important to perform regular maintenance on them. Pruning trees on a consistent cycle can help to avoid irreversible defects in structure or tree failure over time.

Given that tree structure and growth rates differ from one species to another, the type and frequency of pruning required will be different from tree to tree. As an example, autumn blaze maple is a popular fast-growing species. It perfectly fits the home maintenance analogy above. If it is pruned every couple of years, the risk of tree failure in the future can be dramatically reduced. On the other hand, if the tree is never pruned it could experience multiple branch failures throughout its life or even split completely in half at some point. Complete failures are becoming more common with unpruned autumn blaze maples as they mature in the landscape.

Age also has an impact on how often a given tree might need to be pruned. Young trees, even newly planted trees, may need to be pruned once every two or three years. The pruning would likely be light and focus more on correcting structural issues. Middle age trees might need pruning once every five years. Last, but not least, fully mature trees might only need pruning once every five to ten years with the primary focus being dead limbs.

You can gain lifelong advantages when pruning young shade trees

If you are someone who has not had your trees pruned before, all is not lost. It’s true that you may not be able to eliminate every structural issue present in trees that have been growing in your yard for several years. That said, you can at least identify any issues and begin working to improve the structure from that point. Cables and braces may also be installed in certain situations to help further reduce the risk of tree failure by adding support to weak trunk unions or overextended limbs.

Our certified arborists are well equipped to understand the pruning needs of your trees regardless of their species or age. If you think that your trees might be due for pruning contact your Wachtel Tree Science arborist for an assessment today!

Related Newsletters

Tree Pruning Services

Can Trees Die if You Don’t Prune Them?

Each year I field a number of questions from clients. One common question that I am asked is, “Can my tree die if I don’t have it pruned?” Technically it can.

Disease Management Through Proper Pruning

Pruning is a beneficial management tool and often overlooked when it comes to suppressing diseases. Learn more.

Dormant Season Structural Pruning: Why My Trees Need It

Harsh Wisconsin winters aren’t typically ideal for several activities. However, in arboriculture, winter is the perfect time to perform maintenance that keep your trees and shrubs strong and healthy year round.

Get A Quick Answer

Newsletter Signup

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Information

N72 W28393 St. Paul Ave, P.O. Box 716,
Merton, WI 53056

(262) 538-1900

Send Us An Email

Get The Latest

Let’s Get Social

Our Newsletters

Newsletter Signup

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright 2025 Wachtel Tree Science. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Top Floor

  • Privacy Policy

Get science-based tree care from our ISA Certified Arborists

Contact Us
X