When to trim trees and shrubs in North Texas (and when not to)

Oaks: avoid February through June

Oak wilt is spread by sap beetles that are drawn to fresh wounds in spring. The Texas A&M Forest Service recommends avoiding oak pruning from February through June and painting every wound immediately at any time of year. Hot midsummer and winter (December–January) are the safer windows.

Crape myrtles: late winter, and lightly

Prune in January or February before new growth. Remove crossing branches, suckers, dead wood and seed heads you can reach. Don't top them. Cutting trunks back to the same height every year ("crape murder") causes weak, knobby growth and doesn't make more flowers.

Hedges and shrubs

Most evergreen hedges (yaupon, ligustrum, wax myrtle) take a shaping trim in late spring and again in late summer. Avoid heavy pruning after mid-September so new growth can harden before a freeze. Spring-blooming shrubs get pruned after they bloom.

Any time

Dead, broken or hazardous limbs can come off whenever needed, including oaks. Paint the cut.

For large trees and removals, hire an insured certified arborist. For hedges, shrubs and crape myrtles, see shrub and hedge trimming.

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• Bermuda, St. Augustine or zoysia: which grass for your North Texas yard
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• When is the best time to lay sod in North Texas?
• How much does sod installation cost in North Texas?
• What does a French drain cost? (And when you don't need one)
• Lawn mowing prices around Rhome and north Fort Worth
• Why is my St. Augustine turning yellow or brown?
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• How long should you run your sprinklers in North Texas?