Why Winter is the Best Time for Tree Services in Minnesota

A lot of people assume winter is the “off-season” for yard work. No one expects working in snow and frozen grounds to go well. But for tree care, winter is actually the perfect time to tackle certain projects. It’s the ideal time to remove/prune trees (without pest worries), use heavier tree equipment safely, and cause minimal lawn damage. 

Scheduling tree services during this icy month of January can very well set up your yard for a healthier, more beautiful spring.

Frozen Grounds Means Safer, Cleaner Tree Removal

Now, one of the biggest advantages of winter tree work is the frozen ground. When the soil is firm, heavy equipment like cranes, stump grinders, and trucks can move much more easily without sinking into your lawn. 

For bigger removals, frozen ground also helps keep the working team (and your property) safe. Muddy or loose spring ground can make even small tree jobs messy or even dangerous. By booking in the winter, you’re avoiding that risk and giving your trees proper care with the lowest amount of damage to your property.

And here’s a little insider tip: because winter tends to be slower for tree services, you may also find more competitive pricing. Contractors have more flexibility in scheduling, which can mean better deals for you. So while the snow might seem inconvenient, it’s actually an opportunity to save money while getting great results.

Now, Let’s Prevent Those Pests and Diseases

Some pests and diseases are still active even when the temperatures drop. For example, an invasive insect species can remain a threat to your tree in cold climates. If you let it go on, your tree can become weakened or stressed, ready to become a problem as soon as spring comes. 

Targeted treatments and proper pruning help protect your trees before these issues scale. By addressing potential diseases and pests in the off-season, you’re giving your trees a head start for the growing season. 

Winter Tree Pests to Watch for in Minnesota

One of the biggest threats in Minnesota is the emerald ash borer. While these insects are most active in warmer months, winter is when the damage they leave behind becomes easiest to spot. Without leaves in the way, signs like D-shaped exit holes, bark splitting, and thinning branch structure are much more visible. Treating or removing affected ash trees in winter can slow the spread and protect nearby healthy trees before infestation worsens.

Another common issue is scale insects, which attach themselves to branches and trunks and quietly drain nutrients from trees. During winter, these pests are often dormant but still present. Targeted pruning can remove heavily infested limbs, and dormant-season treatments are often more effective without foliage interfering.

Pruning: Set Your Trees Up for Health and Growth

With the leaves gone from your trees, arborists can clearly see the structure of your trees, making it easier to remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches. This improves air circulation, reduces the risk of pest infections, and ensures stronger, healthier growth in spring. 

Trimming: Keeping Your Yard Safe (And Aesthetic)

Trimming helps make sure your trees grow safely and don’t interfere with your property or landscape plans. Winter trimming can remove branches that block paths, driveways, or views, while reducing potential storm damage during the off-season. 

Stump Removal: Less Damage, Safer Lawn

Winter is a great time to remove stumps because frozen ground makes it easier to use heavy equipment with minimal lawn damage. By handling your stump now in the winter, you prevent the regrowth of the stump, which is a huge plus. 

Caring for Your Trees After Winter Service

Once winter tree work is complete, a little follow-up care goes a long way in protecting your investment and setting your landscape up for success.

After stump removal, it’s normal for the ground to settle slightly as the soil adjusts. Filling the area with topsoil and keeping it level helps prevent low spots and prepares the space for grass, planting, or new landscaping. If mulch was left behind, it can be reused to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

For pruned or trimmed trees, early spring is the time to observe how they respond. Healthy buds, even growth, and strong branch development are all good signs. Keep an eye out for unusual discoloration or delayed leafing, which may signal stress or an underlying issue that needs attention.

Never use heavy fertilization immediately after winter pruning. Trees benefit most from natural recovery first, followed by targeted nutrients later in the growing season if needed. Proper watering as temperatures warm will also help trees rebound and thrive.

Why Professional Care Matters

DIY tree removal or pruning might seem tempting, especially when the ground is frozen and the branches are brittle. But winter conditions can actually make trees trickier to work with. Frozen branches can snap unpredictably, and icy surfaces increase the risk of injury.

Professionals bring the expertise, equipment, and safety protocols to handle trees efficiently, as well as ensuring your trees get the right preventive treatments against pests and diseases. 

We hope this article was of use to you. If you have further questions or would like to get started on your tree care this month, feel free to contact us today.