Trimming Trees in Spring Harms Flora and Fauna

In a Treehugger article, spring is described as the time of harvest and lush gardens, and for some, it is their scheduled time for trimming trees on their properties.

Catriona Glazebrook, executive director of WellKind, explains that people often like to get outside in the spring when the weather warms. During this time, they often feel like working in the yard and gardening, such as trimming trees.

WellKind focuses on protecting and restoring the natural world, with an emphasis on forests, biodiversity, and wildlife.

She added that while gardening is perfect for this time of year, it is not a good time to be outside cutting, trimming, or using heavy and noisy equipment.

Glazebrook pointed out that while the warm weather and the urge to spring clean may make it seem like a good time to take care of trees, there are many reasons why you might want to wait.

According to the executive director, one of the main reasons is to protect wildlife. She added that even the sounds of tree work can be harmful to wildlife, and the loud noise can discourage animal parents from returning to their nests.

Glazebrook also explained that noise can also keep animals from feeding their offspring in time to keep them healthy and alert.

She related that in one of the largest sanctuaries she managed in the U.S., her coastal conservation program was instrumental in the return of an endangered species. Glazebrook goes on to explain that her team's efforts led the Army Corp of Engineers to halt its dredging efforts in the spring. When dredging was moved to the fall, an immediate increase in hatchlings was observed.

The Time for Trimming Trees

Glazebrook emphasized that cutting and trimming trees in the spring is harmful to wildlife and the tree itself.

She explained that trees are dormant in late fall and winter, which means that bacteria, fungi, parasites, and insects that can live on them and spread disease are also either dormant or dead.

Glazebrook says diseases are less likely to be transmitted if trees are pruned during this dormant period. Pruning stimulates the tree to produce new growth.

The Colorado State Forest Service recommends pruning in late winter or between late February and early March.

Keith Wood, the Colorado State Forest Service's urban and community forestry manager, explained that pruning during the late dormant season reduces impacts on tree health and creates a strong long-term structure for our community trees.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society, (PAWS) suggests that the best time for such maintenance activities should be November to January. Glazebrook, on the other hand, says that the best time to prune most trees is between late October and early January.

Pests and diseases are more active in warmer weather, exposing trees that have just been wounded to possible infestation and disease infection.

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) records as of September 2021 indicate that 30% of tree species are threatened with extinction, and at least 142 tree species are extinct in the wild.

BGCI is a membership organization that represents botanic gardens in over 100 countries across the world.

Birds that rely on trees for shelter and food are experiencing huge population declines. According to a study published in the journal Science, the number of birds in the U.S. and Canada has declined by 29% over the past 50 years. That's a total decline of 2.9 billion birds since 1970.

Glazebrook explained that not gardening in the spring promotes biodiversity and protects the health of trees.