Proper pruning can make a noticeable difference in the health, appearance, structure, and safety of trees and shrubs. Here in Lubbock and across the Southern High Plains, our strong winds, intense sunlight, dry conditions, temperature swings, and occasional winter storms make good pruning practices especially important.
But pruning isn't simply about cutting back branches. When, why, and how you make those cuts matters.
When Should Trees Be Pruned in West Texas?
For many deciduous landscape trees, one of the best times for routine pruning is during the dormant season—particularly late winter before new spring growth begins.
Pruning while a tree is dormant makes it easier to see its branch structure and identify crossing, rubbing, damaged, or poorly positioned limbs. Dead, broken, damaged, or hazardous branches may need attention whenever they are discovered.
Heavy pruning of healthy live growth immediately after the spring growth flush should generally be avoided. At that point, the tree has invested significant energy into producing new leaves and shoots.
Different species can have different requirements, so pruning shouldn't be approached with a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Be Especially Careful With Oak Trees
Oak trees require additional consideration in Texas because pruning wounds can provide an entry point for oak wilt.
Avoid unnecessary pruning of oaks during the higher-risk period from February through June. When an oak must be pruned, fresh pruning wounds should be painted immediately to help reduce the risk of oak wilt transmission.
Good Pruning Starts With a Purpose
Every cut should have a reason.
Proper pruning may include:
• Removing dead, damaged, diseased, or weak branches
• Removing crossing or rubbing branches
• Improving structure while the tree is young
• Providing appropriate clearance
• Removing unwanted suckers and water sprouts
• Correcting certain structural problems before they become larger ones
More pruning isn't necessarily better. Trees depend on their leaves to produce and store energy, so removing excessive healthy foliage can place unnecessary stress on a tree.
As a general guideline, avoid removing more than about 25% of a tree's living crown at one time.
Pruning Practices to Avoid
🌳 Topping
Topping means indiscriminately cutting major branches back to stubs or locations without an appropriate lateral branch.
This can stimulate weakly attached new growth, create large wounds and negatively affect the tree's natural structure. A topped tree may actually become more vulnerable to future branch failure.
🌳 Lion-Tailing
Lion-tailing occurs when too many interior branches are removed while most of the foliage is left near the ends of the limbs.
Although the tree may look "cleaned out," excessive interior removal can negatively affect branch structure and expose previously shaded portions of the tree to additional sunlight.
🌳 Over-Pruning
A tree needs its leaves.
Removing too much of the canopy reduces the tree's ability to produce the energy it needs for growth and maintenance. The goal should be to accomplish the reason for pruning while preserving as much healthy canopy as practical.
Proper Cuts Matter
When removing an entire branch, a proper pruning cut is normally made just outside the branch collar—the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk or larger limb.
Avoid cutting flush against the trunk and avoid leaving unnecessarily long stubs.
Larger branches also require proper cutting techniques to prevent their weight from tearing bark from the trunk as they fall.
Know When a Job Requires an Arborist
Homeowners should also recognize when tree work goes beyond routine landscape maintenance.
Large trees, major limbs, trees near structures, overhead hazards, and branches around utility lines can present serious risks. These situations are best evaluated and handled by a qualified professional or certified arborist.
Preparing Your Lubbock Property for Fall and Winter
As temperatures begin cooling across Lubbock, it's a good time to walk around your property and take a closer look at your trees and shrubs.
Look for dead or broken branches, unwanted suckers, overgrown shrubs, branches interfering with walkways, and other areas that may need attention as the landscape moves toward winter dormancy.
Wester Lawn Care can help with appropriate small-tree and ornamental pruning, shrub trimming, sucker removal, seasonal property cleanup, flowerbed cleanup, leaf removal, and other landscape maintenance.
For larger trees, hazardous limbs, or specialized tree-care needs, I recommend having the tree evaluated by a qualified arborist.
Taking care of smaller landscape issues before they become larger problems can help keep your property cleaner, safer, and looking its best throughout the year.
Wester Lawn Care Service
Serving Lubbock and surrounding areas
📞 806-329-8933
Call or text to schedule a meet-and-greet and property evaluation.
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