A Year of Tree Care in Central Florida

Northern tree care advice does not transfer here. There is no meaningful dormancy, the growing season is long, and the calendar is organised around storm season rather than winter.

Winter (December to February)

The closest thing to a dormant window, and the best time for major structural work on hardwoods.

• Structural pruning and larger cuts on oaks and other hardwoods.
• Removals, when the ground is driest and access is easiest.
• Planting — the best time of year to put a tree in, giving it a full season to establish before summer heat.
• Assessment and planning for the year ahead.

Spring (March to May)

The critical window, because hurricane season starts in June.

• Pre-season pruning. Deadwood removal, crown cleaning, clearance from structures. This is the single most valuable thing on the whole calendar.
• Assessment of anything large near a structure.
• Mulching before the heat arrives.
• Fertilization where a soil test actually indicates a need — not routinely.
• Avoid heavy pruning of oaks in the warmest part of spring where oak wilt is a local concern.

Summer (June to September)

Hurricane season. Minimal planned work; maximum readiness.

• Do not do major pruning now unless it is a genuine hazard. The tree is under heat stress and every cut is an entry point in the most active period for pathogens and insects.
• Deep watering during genuine drought, particularly for newly planted trees.
• Monitor for pest and disease pressure, which peaks now.
• Emergency response as needed.

Fall (October to November)

• Post-season assessment of anything the summer damaged.
• Resume pruning as temperatures moderate.
• Planting window reopens.
• Palm work, timed properly rather than opportunistically.

Things that have no season

• Hazard removal. A tree that is actively dangerous comes down when it is identified, whatever the month.
• Storm response.
• Mulching, at correct depth and pulled back from the trunk.

The one rule that matters most

Do not top trees, in any season, for any reason. It is the most damaging thing done to trees, it does not reduce storm risk, and it increases it by forcing weakly attached regrowth.