Tree Trimming
When to Trim Live Oaks in Texas
Oak wilt is a serious threat in Central Texas. Learn the safe trimming window (July–January) and why spring cuts can kill your tree.
Read the full guideFree Resources
Central Texas Tree Care Resource Center
Free guides, seasonal checklists, and expert answers — everything a Central Texas homeowner needs to keep their trees healthy, safe, and beautiful year-round.
Expert Guides
Free Tree Care Guides
Written by our crew based on 15+ years of hands-on experience in Central Texas. Share these freely — that's what they're here for.
Emergency
Storm Damage Tree Cleanup: A Step-by-Step Guide
What to do — and what NOT to do — after a Central Texas storm drops limbs on your property. Includes a safety checklist.
Read the full guideStump Grinding
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: Which Do You Need?
The difference between grinding and full removal, when each makes sense, and what to expect from the process.
Read the full guideTree Removal
Tree Removal in San Marcos: What to Expect
A plain-language walkthrough of the removal process — from the estimate to cleanup — so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Read the full guideOak Care
Oak Tree Care in the Texas Hill Country
Live oaks, Texas live oaks, and cedar elms dominate the Hill Country. Here's how to keep them healthy through drought, freeze, and storm.
Read the full guidePrintable Checklist
Central Texas Tree & Lawn Seasonal Checklist
What to do — and what to avoid — each season to keep your trees and lawn in top shape in the Texas Hill Country climate.
Spring (Feb–May)
- Inspect trees for winter freeze damage
- Remove dead or broken branches (avoid oak trimming Feb–Jun)
- Apply pre-emergent weed control to lawn
- Fertilize lawn as temps warm above 65°F
- Check for signs of oak wilt — wilting, brown leaves from tip inward
Do NOT trim live oaks Feb–Jun — peak oak wilt season.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Deep-water trees during drought (slow soak at drip line)
- Watch for heat stress — wilting, leaf scorch, early leaf drop
- Mow lawn at 3–4 inches to reduce heat stress on grass
- Begin oak trimming after July 1 — safe window opens
- Inspect for bark beetles and borers on stressed trees
Fall (Sep–Nov)
- Prime time for tree trimming and structural pruning
- Remove hazardous limbs before winter storm season
- Overseed or aerate lawn in October
- Rake and mulch leaves — 2–3 inch layer around tree bases
- Schedule stump grinding before ground hardens
Winter (Dec–Jan)
- Continue oak trimming — safe window through January
- Wrap young or thin-barked trees before hard freezes
- Do NOT prune freeze-damaged wood until new growth appears in spring
- Check for storm damage after ice or wind events
- Plan spring projects — get estimates before the busy season
After a freeze: wait until spring to assess and prune freeze damage.
Common Questions
Tree Care FAQ
Honest answers to the questions we hear most from Central Texas homeowners.
When is the best time to trim live oaks in Texas?
The safest window is July through January, when the oak wilt fungus is least active. Avoid pruning February through June — the peak season for sap beetles that spread oak wilt. If you must trim during spring, seal all cuts immediately with pruning paint.
How do I know if a tree is hazardous?
Warning signs include large dead branches in the canopy, cracks or splits in the main trunk, fungal growth at the base, leaning that has worsened over time, heaving or rotting roots, and any tree within striking distance of a structure. When in doubt, get a free professional assessment.
What should I do after a storm damages my trees?
Stay clear of downed limbs near power lines and call 911 or your utility company. For trees away from utilities: document the damage with photos, avoid driving under hanging limbs, and call a licensed tree service as soon as possible. Never attempt to cut large hanging branches yourself — they can spring unpredictably.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in San Marcos or New Braunfels?
Permit requirements vary by city. San Marcos requires a permit for protected heritage trees (generally large oaks and pecans). New Braunfels has similar protections. Always check with your city's planning department before removing a large tree. We can advise you on local requirements during your free estimate.
How much does tree removal cost in Central Texas?
Typically $300–$500 for small trees (under 30 ft) to $1,500–$3,000+ for large trees near structures. Factors include height, trunk diameter, proximity to power lines, and whether stump grinding is included. We offer free, no-obligation estimates.
What is oak wilt and how do I prevent it?
Oak wilt is a fungal disease (Ceratocystis fagacearum) that kills live oaks and red oaks. It spreads via sap beetles attracted to fresh pruning cuts, and through root grafts between neighboring trees. Prevention: trim only in the safe window (July–January), seal all cuts immediately, and remove infected trees promptly to prevent root-to-root spread.
Trusted Sources
Local & State Tree Care Resources
We link to these organizations because they provide genuinely useful, authoritative information for Central Texas property owners.
Texas A&M Forest Service
Official oak wilt maps, tree disease identification, and wildfire risk resources for Texas landowners.
State AgencyHays County Extension Office
Local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office serving Hays County — tree care, lawn, and landscape resources.
ExtensionCity of San Marcos Development Services
Tree removal permit information and heritage tree protection ordinances for San Marcos residents.
City PermitCity of New Braunfels Planning
Tree ordinance and permit requirements for New Braunfels property owners.
City PermitInternational Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Find certified arborists, tree care standards, and consumer guides from the global arborist association.
IndustryTexas Tree Foundation
Non-profit dedicated to urban tree canopy in Texas — resources on tree selection, planting, and care.
Non-ProfitServing 22 Communities Across Central Texas
Find your city-specific tree care guide or request a free estimate for your area.
Questions? Call Us — It's Free.
Our crew is happy to answer tree care questions over the phone, no strings attached. If you need a hand, we'll give you a free estimate on the spot.
(512) 749-2336