Ohio's four distinct seasons each ask something different of the trees on your property. Here's what to plan for throughout the year in the Miami Valley.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)
Best window for structural pruning — trees are dormant, easier to see, and disease spreads slower in cold weather
Remove dead or damaged limbs before ice and snow load adds weight
Check for winter storm damage after ice events
Avoid heavy pruning on spring-flowering trees now — wait until right after they bloom
🌱 Spring (Mar–May)
Inspect for winter damage as buds break — dead wood becomes obvious once live branches leaf out
Watch for early pest and disease signs, including Emerald Ash Borer exit holes on ash trees
Apply a fresh 2–4" mulch ring, kept a few inches back from the trunk
Plant new trees now, while soil is workable and roots have the full growing season to establish
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)
Water young or newly planted trees deeply once or twice a week during dry stretches
Only light, corrective pruning — remove dead/damaged wood, save major structural cuts for dormant season
Watch for wilting, early leaf drop, or scorched leaf edges, which often signal drought stress
Keep an eye on trees after summer thunderstorms for hidden cracks or root movement
🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov)
Good season for planting — cooler air and still-warm soil help roots establish before winter
Clear fallen leaves and debris from around the base to reduce fungal and pest habitat
Have any risk-checklist trees assessed before winter storms arrive
Reduce watering as trees head into dormancy, but don't let the soil go bone-dry before the ground freezes
A Few Things That Apply Year-Round
Never top a tree — it's one of the most damaging things you can do to its long-term health and structure
Anything requiring a ladder, chainsaw, or work near a power line is a job for a professional, any season
Run through our tree risk checklist at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall
