While your trees may look quiet this time of year, winter is one of the best seasons to care for them. In Birmingham and surrounding Alabama communities, trees slow their growth during the cooler months — making it the ideal window for professional pruning, soil work, and removal of risky or unhealthy trees.
At Gray’s Tree Service, our arborists use this downtime to help homeowners and property managers prepare for spring growth and the storm season ahead.
Winter Pruning: Safer, Cleaner, and Healthier
When trees are dormant, pruning does more good and causes less stress. With no leaves in the way, our crews can clearly see a tree’s structure — identifying weak, dead, or crossing branches that may break once spring storms roll in.
Benefits of winter pruning:
- Reduces disease spread (especially fungal and bacterial infections)
- Encourages stronger spring growth
- Improves airflow and sunlight within the canopy
- Prevents limb breakage from wind or ice
Our ISA-aligned pruning practices are designed for long-term tree health, not just appearance.
Tree Removal and Stump Grinding
If a tree is dead, decaying, or dangerously close to structures, winter offers the safest time to remove it. Frozen or dry ground reduces landscape impact from equipment, and our crews can work more efficiently before spring workloads surge.
Once the tree is removed, stump grinding helps restore your yard’s appearance and prevents pests or root regrowth.
Soil and Root Health Treatments
Even in winter, root systems remain active beneath the surface. Our arborists often recommend deep root fertilization or bio-hydration treatments during this season to replenish nutrients and improve soil conditions.
We also perform airspading to relieve soil compaction and inspect roots safely. These services help trees absorb water and nutrients more effectively, setting the stage for healthier spring growth.
Dormant-Season Inspections and PHC Planning
Winter is the perfect time to schedule a professional tree inspection. Our certified arborists assess:
- Root health and soil compaction
- Pruning or cabling needs
- Potential pest or disease issues
- Tree balance and nutrient access
With a plan in place before spring, you can stay ahead of problems and budget for preventive care instead of emergency fixes later.
Emergency and Storm Prep Services
Alabama’s winter weather may not bring blizzards, but high winds, rain, and saturated ground can still cause trees to fail. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency response and can also help you identify trees that pose a risk to your home or property before the next storm hits.
The Bottom Line: Winter Work Sets the Stage for a Healthy Spring
From pruning and removals to soil restoration and preventive care, winter tree services keep your landscape safe, balanced, and ready to thrive.
Ready for a free, no-pressure estimate? Call us today at 205-927-2652 or contact us online.
