Seasonal Tree Care Calendar

Coastal Carolina has a long growing season and a stormy fall, so tree care runs on a different calendar than the generic advice you'll find online. Here's a working month-by-month rhythm for Brunswick County.

Winter (December–February)

• Best window for structural pruning on most species — dormant, no leaves, clear view of structure.
• Remove dead wood and weak forks before spring wind season.
• Plant new trees (late winter is ideal — cool soil, good root development before summer heat).
• Inspect trunks for cracks and cavities visible without foliage.

Early spring (March–April)

• Watch for late frost damage on early bloomers (dogwood, redbud).
• Refresh mulch rings — 2–3 inches out to the drip line, never against the trunk.
• Do the scratch test on suspicious branches before assuming trees are dead.
• Fertilize only where a soil test says you need to. Coastal soils vary wildly.

Late spring / early summer (May–June)

• Finish major pruning before hurricane season really starts.
• Deep-water new plantings weekly during dry spells.
• Watch for pine beetle activity on stressed pines — pitch tubes on bark are the giveaway.
• Have hazard trees assessed and removed *before* the first named storm forms.

Peak hurricane season (July–October)

• Do not do heavy pruning within a few weeks of an approaching storm — fresh wounds and reduced canopy can actually increase failure risk.
• Walk the yard weekly, especially after any thunderstorm.
• Photograph mature trees now, so you have before-photos if a hurricane hits.
• Water mature trees during drought — a well-hydrated tree resists wind failure much better than a stressed one.

Late fall (November)

• Rake leaves off lawns but consider leaving them in beds — free mulch and habitat.
• Post-storm assessment: walk the yard for hangers, new leans, and pine beetle signs.
• Plan winter pruning priorities.
• Best month to plant new trees for spring establishment.