Tree Care in Oklahoma: What to Know, When to Prune, and How to Choose the Right Trees

Oklahoma Tree Care: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Trees are more than just part of your yard — they shape your landscape, boost your property value, and offer much-needed shade in our intense Oklahoma summers. But between harsh winds, clay soil, and sudden freezes, Oklahoma trees need the right care to thrive.

At OAK Outdoors, we help families and businesses protect their trees through all seasons. Here's what we’ve learned from years of working across Oklahoma City and nearby towns.

When to Prune Trees in Oklahoma

The best time to prune most trees in Oklahoma is late winter — usually February through early March. By then, trees are still dormant but about to wake up. This makes it easier to shape the canopy and reduce the risk of disease.

• Avoid pruning in fall, which can leave your tree vulnerable to freeze damage.
• Summer pruning is okay for minor shaping or removing storm-damaged limbs.
• For flowering trees, prune right after they bloom to avoid cutting off next year's flowers.

If you're unsure about when or how much to prune, hiring a professional tree trimming service is always a safe option.

Tree Trimming Services in Oklahoma

At OAK Outdoors, we offer tree trimming services that prioritize both safety and tree health. Whether it's a large pecan tree leaning over your roof or a row of crape myrtles needing cleanup, our certified team can handle it.

We recommend scheduling trimming for:

• Dead or broken limbs
• Trees brushing against your home
• Overgrown branches shading grass
• Seasonal shape-ups for ornamental trees

Learn more about our Arbor Services for full details.

Best Trees for Oklahoma Yards

Oklahoma’s extreme weather can be hard on trees — between droughts, wind, and ice, only the tough survive. Here are some of our go-to picks for low-maintenance, high-impact trees:

• Shumard Oak – Fast-growing and highly wind-resistant
• Eastern Redbud – Gorgeous spring blooms, native to Oklahoma
• Chinkapin Oak – Great for wildlife and tolerates heavy soils
• Bald Cypress – Handles wet or dry spots and adds a unique look
• Caddo Maple – A hardier version of sugar maple, excellent fall color

We can help you choose the best tree for your yard based on sun, soil, and style. Need help with planting? Ask about our Residential Build team.

Common Tree Issues in Oklahoma

Oklahoma trees face some specific problems we see every season:

• Storm damage from wind and ice
• Root girdling from poor planting techniques
• Drought stress, especially on young trees
• Pests like bagworms, webworms, and borers

With regular maintenance and early diagnosis, most tree problems can be prevented. Our team at OAK Outdoors offers seasonal inspections to help spot issues before they get worse.

Watering Trees the Right Way

In summer, many trees struggle from heat and drought stress. Water deeply and slowly once or twice a week — especially for newly planted trees.

We recommend:

• A soaker hose or drip system
• Watering early in the morning
• Adding mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool

If you already have an irrigation system, ask us to help program it for trees — we can adjust your sprinkler system to work smarter and save water.

Need Tree Help? Call OAK Outdoors

Whether you're dealing with storm-damaged limbs or just want to improve your yard's tree layout, we’re here to help. Our experienced arbor team works across Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and surrounding towns.

Explore more services at exploreoak.com, or check out our seasonal updates on Facebook and Instagram.