Pruning in August: What Can (and Can’t) Be Trimmed This Time of Year
With a mix of plentiful sunlight and periodic downpours, summer in Georgia often means an explosion of green. Trees and shrubs stretch out their limbs with the added fuel, and seemingly all at once, your once-tidy yard looks like a jungle. It’s tempting to grab the pruning shears, but hold that thought.
Before you start snipping, it’s important to know which plants can handle an August trim and which should be left alone for now.
Pruning Trees in August: What You Should Know
First, Is It Okay to Trim Trees in August?
The short answer is sometimes — but with caution. Pruning is more than a cosmetic fix. When you cut a branch, you’re creating a wound. In the right conditions, your plant will respond by sealing it up and redirecting energy into new growth. But during the heat of late summer, this healing process may be delayed. Add in humidity, and it creates the perfect storm for pests, fungi, and disease.
In general, trees and shrubs that bloom in spring or early summer are best pruned in the dormant season (usually late winter). Pruning too late in the growing season can stress plants, making them vulnerable to cold-weather damage. Our beloved peach trees are an example, along with other fruit-bearing varieties that need time to recover and set buds for the next season.
Of course, not all trees follow the same rules. Some woody ornamentals like azaleas, dogwoods, and magnolias can be safely pruned shortly after they’ve finished blooming. But even with these species, August is pushing it — instead, try to wrap up any trims by mid-summer to avoid disrupting next year’s flower production
When Is Pruning Trees in August Okay?
Despite the risks, there are some situations where a little late-summer trimming is necessary:
- Storm Prep: August is prime storm season in the Southeast, and the peak of hurricanes is not far behind. If you notice damaged limbs that could become hazardous in high winds, it’s smart to have them removed now. Think of it as proactive protection for your home.
- Signs of Disease or Decay: If a tree is clearly suffering — whether from pests, fungi, or rot — targeted pruning may be needed to prevent the issue from spreading. Just be sure to disinfect your tools between cuts to avoid cross-contamination.
- Certain Species: Some fast-growing trees like certain evergreens can handle light shaping this time of year, especially if you’re just tidying up wayward shoots.
No matter the reason, if you must prune in August, be sure to keep it light. This time of year, the goal is to correct any immediate issues, not to overhaul. Limit cuts to one or two branches, and avoid making major structural changes.
Schedule a Consultation With Premier Tree Solutions
August may not be the ideal time for pruning, but our phone lines are always open if you’re looking to consult with a professional arborist. From pruning for cosmetic purposes to strategically trimming problem branches, our team at Premier Tree Solutions brings expertise to every job we take on. If you have a tree project to tackle, contact our specialists for an evaluation: Call 404.252.6448 or send us a message online.