Live oaks are a common sight in North Texas. These native trees are well-adapted to our soil and climate, but can still be stressed by extreme weather. Many, if not all, live oaks will show signs of frost damage after a hard freeze. Like other plants, the main symptom will be brown, dead, or wilted leaves. Live oaks may show browning in patches or over a whole tree.
We think that most live oaks will be able to recover from the freeze. The trees should be able to take in nutrients when the new leaves fall off in the spring. New growth may be thin in the coming year, however, because of residual stress. Young live oaks and trees that are already under a lot of stress from bugs or diseases may not be able to get better as quickly. It’s important to keep an eye on live oaks this spring and summer to see how well they can grow back.
The live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a North Texas landscape staple. Hardy and evergreen, live oaks can range in size up to 50 feet tall and 100 feet wide. Live oaks do not drop leaves in the fall, but rather have a leaf exchange in the spring. They were once used to build ships because their naturally curved branches were so useful. Now, live oaks are beautiful trees for landscaping, and the wood is used for cooking and starting fires. Live oaks can get oak wilt, but they can handle it better than red oaks and other types of oaks.
Oak trees are stately, beautiful trees that can live for hundreds of years. While they are resilient in many ways, oak trees do require some special care, especially when it comes to trimming and pruning. Trimming an oak tree incorrectly can damage it severely, so it’s important to understand proper techniques for oak tree care in the winter months. In this article, we’ll go over tips on how to trim your oak tree in winter without harming it.
Why Winter is Best for Oak Tree Trimming
Oak trees are more susceptible to a harmful fungal disease called oak wilt in the spring and summer months. Oak wilt is spread by insects that feed on the sap from fresh cuts and wounds on oak trees. If an infected insect lands on a freshly trimmed oak and feeds, it can transmit oak wilt fungi through its saliva into the open wound. From there, the fungi spreads, blocking water transport in the tree and eventually killing it.
Trimming oak trees in winter significantly reduces the risk of oak wilt infection. In winter, insects are dormant and unlikely to spread contaminated saliva to tree wounds. As long as pruning wounds have time to seal up before insects become active in spring, the tree has much better protection. Winter trimming gives oak tree pruning wounds time to heal before the bugs emerge.
How to Prepare for Winter Oak Tree Trimming
Before trimming an oak in winter, gather the proper supplies to do the job safely and efficiently. Here’s a list of must-have items
- Sharp, clean hand pruners, loppers, and saws
- Clean rag and bucket of bleach water to sanitize tools
- Tree sealant paste to apply to cuts over 1″ across
- Safety gear like goggles, gloves, hard hat
- Ladder or pole pruner for reaching high branches
Inspect all your pruning tools to make sure they are sharp and clean. Dull blades can crush and tear rather than cutting cleanly. Clean off any dirt debris or sap buildup. Soak tools for 10-15 minutes in a bleach solution to sanitize them and kill any lingering fungi or insects. Rinse and dry thoroughly before using.
How Much to Trim an Oak Tree in Winter
Oak trees should only be trimmed when necessary – remove dead, damaged, or crossing/rubbing branches. Never trim just for the sake of cutting or to reduce size. Here are some tips:
- For young oak trees under 3 years old, only remove broken or dead branches.
- For established oak trees over 3 years old, primarily remove branches growing towards the center of the tree’s canopy or any that rub against each other.
- Avoid removing more than 25% of the tree’s live branches to prevent stressing the oak.
- Clean cuts just outside branching collars without leaving branch stubs.
- Large cuts over 1″ in diameter should be sealed with paste to prevent infection.
Resist the urge to over-trim the oak or cut for shape/size reduction. Removing too much inner foliage creates holes in the canopy that expose the tree to more wind damage. Go slowly and carefully, standing back frequently to evaluate what still needs pruning.
Hiring an Arborist for Winter Oak Tree Trimming
Trees are complex organisms, and oak trees can be especially tricky when it comes to proper trimming. If you lack experience or are uncomfortable working high up in an oak tree, consider hiring a professional arborist.
Certified arborists have specialized training and knowledge on oak tree biology. They understand the intricacies of oak pruning and know how to promote tree health rather than harming it. Professional arborists also have commercial-grade tools, lifts, and gear to reach high branches safely.
For winter oak trimming in the Reno area, call a local arborist company like American Arborists. Their skilled team knows exactly when and how to trim oak trees in winter to avoid oak wilt infection. They take care to promote the long-term health of your beautiful oak trees.
Caring for Oak Trees Year Round
While winter trimming is critical, you also need to care for your oak trees in the other seasons. Here are some tips:
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Spring: Fertilize oaks in early spring as growth starts. Monitor for pests like caterpillars that can defoliate trees.
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Summer: Water oaks during drought at the drip line area, not trunk. Mulch around the tree to retain moisture.
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Fall: Rake and dispose of fallen leaves to prevent pests/disease overwintering.
With proper year-round care focused on disease prevention and promoting growth, your oak tree can thrive for decades or even centuries to come. Avoid over-pruning, water during droughts, and address any signs of sickness promptly. A treasured oak is worth the time and care required to keep it healthy.
In Summary: Trimming Oak Trees in Winter
- Only trim oak trees in winter to prevent oak wilt disease spread.
- Disinfect pruning tools before use to prevent transmission of pathogens.
- Remove dead, damaged, and rubbing branches – no more than 25% of live growth.
- Seal large pruning wounds with tree sealant paste.
- Hire a professional arborist if lacking experience with oak pruning.
- Continue best practices for oak tree care in other seasons too.
Oak trees are stunning landscape trees that can live for hundreds of years if properly maintained. Follow these winter oak pruning guidelines and proactive year-round care tips to ensure your oak remains healthy and thriving for generations to come. With careful pruning and disease prevention, your beloved oak will enrich your landscape with its beauty, shade, and ecological benefits for decades to come.
Do brown leaves after a freeze mean a Live Oak is dead? No!
Even if its leaves brown after a freeze, the live oak will probably recover. Every spring, live oaks lose their leaves and grow new ones in their place. When the tree starts budding, the dead leaves should be replaced by new ones. In some cases, the dead leaves may fall off before the new leaves emerge.
If a live oak doesn’t grow new leaves in the spring, it might be too damaged to heal. Consult a local ISA Certified Arborist to evaluate your tree.
How do Trees Survive Winter?
FAQ
What do oak trees do in the winter?
Do some oak trees lose their leaves in winter?
Can oak trees survive freeze?
What does an oak tree look like in the spring?
Are white oak trees cold tolerant?
The white oak can exist in various temperatures, from a very frigid winter in Minnesota to a relatively mild Florida winter. The white oak’s optimum range has an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree thrives in USDA Zones 3-9. The white oak is more tolerant of higher temperatures than other Northern species.
Can oak trees survive winter?
Oak trees can survive winter, but younger trees may need protection from the wind. It’s important to choose a variety that is capable of withstanding the type of winter in your area. Some species of oak are better able to withstand frigid temperatures than others.
Do oak trees drop their leaves before winter?
In some locations, oak trees do not drop all their leaves before winter. This is particularly true in warmer locations at lower latitudes, where mild temperatures and relatively long days may encourage the tree not to drop its leaves.
What is the care for oak trees?
Oak trees are one of the most widely distributed tree varieties on earth. In the winter, oak tree care includes protecting younger trees from the wind and ensuring you have chosen a variety that can withstand the winter conditions in your area.
Should you rake up oak leaves before winter?
Before winter comes, it is recommended to rake up all the oak leaves. Leaf drop occurs because oak trees conserve water during the winter due to reduced humidity and moisture in the soil. Raking up the leaves before winter helps prevent fungal infections that remain on the leaves all winter from infecting the tree in the spring.
What does an oak tree look like in winter?
In winter, buds and bark are useful features to help distinguish oaks from other trees. Both English oak and sessile oak have several plump, orange-brown buds clustered at the end of twigs. The bark is dark grey-brown with vertical fissures.