Spring
Record what you notice as the canopy changes. Discuss species and timing before scheduling pruning.
Put the season in the picture.
Choose a month to prepare questions for an arborist. The calendar is a planning aid; weather, species, location, and tree condition affect actual work.
Choose a month.
September · Make a fall plan.
Review observations from the growing season and discuss the work that may need to be scheduled. Ask about the right timing for the particular tree.
Michigan oak guidance: avoid pruning or wounding oaks from April 15 through July 15. A calendar choice is not clearance to prune a particular tree.
Michigan oak wilt guidance ↗Summer
Keep notes about changes and site conditions. Use a professional assessment rather than guessing from one symptom.
Fall
Review the season’s observations and prepare questions for upcoming work.
Winter
Leafless branches can make structure easier to see from the ground. An arborist can advise whether work is appropriate.