In this Den Garden article, Ryan Gustafson from Davey's Southwest Metro office says which trees could be problematic if you prune them in late summer. 

Posted: August 20, 2026

A large oak tree standing in a park.August is a time when many gardeners are starting to tidy up their gardens, as many plants have finished flowering or have been actively growing throughout the summer and benefit from a final trim before fall. August is famously the best time to prune lavender, which can get leggy and woody otherwise. Wisteria is most often pruned during this month to encourage next year’s flowering. The month of August is also a great time to prune many fruit trees, including apple, cherry and plum, and is your final opportunity to trim hedges to help maintain their shape.

But what about the ornamental trees in your yard? Should they be included in your August pruning routine, or will this do damage? There are all sorts of reasons you might have the urge to prune a tree right now: for example, it’s had a spurt of growth and is now blocking your kitchen light.

We spoke to certified arborists who explain the risks associated with summer tree pruning, name the three trees you absolutely must not prune at this time of year, and the one tree that you can (and possibly should) prune in August.

To continue reading this article, click here. 

For more information, contact the Southwest Metro office. 

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1880 and headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Davey has over 12,000 employees who create and deliver sustainable solutions. Davey continues to grow through expertise with the SEED Campus, its newest commitment to training, research and safety. Become part of the Davey legacy by applying today and join one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S.

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