By mid-summer, the trees and shrubs across Central Ohio have put on months of vigorous growth. Shrubs that looked tidy in May are now crowding walkways, blocking windows, and losing their shape. Trees may have developed water sprouts, crossing branches, or limbs hanging over roofs and driveways. July and August are excellent months for maintenance pruning, and at Quality Yard and Home Maintenance, our ISA Certified Arborists keep landscapes looking sharp throughout Pataskala, Westerville, and the surrounding communities.
Why Summer Pruning Works
While late winter is ideal for structural pruning, summer trimming offers unique advantages:
- Spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs, forsythia, and viburnum have finished blooming and can be safely shaped now without sacrificing next year’s flowers
- You can clearly see which branches are dead versus alive
- Summer pruning slows regrowth, so shrubs hold their shape longer
- Removing overgrowth improves air circulation, reducing fungal disease pressure during humid Ohio summers
What We Trim in July and August
Overgrown Shrubs and Hedges
We restore clean lines to boxwoods, yews, arborvitae, burning bush, and other foundation plantings while maintaining natural form and plant health.
Spring-Blooming Shrubs
Now is the deadline for pruning lilacs, forsythia, weigela, and mock orange. Wait much longer, and you will cut off next spring’s flower buds.
Trees Near Structures
Limbs touching your roof, siding, or gutters create pest highways and abrasion damage. We provide proper clearance while preserving the tree’s health and appearance.
Deadwood Removal
Dead branches are easiest to identify in full leaf and become hazards during summer storms.
What NOT to Prune Right Now
Knowledge of what to leave alone separates professionals from lawn crews with hedge trimmers. Oaks should not be pruned April through October due to oak wilt risk. Heavy pruning of maples and birches is better left for the dormant season. Our certified arborists follow species-specific timing to protect your investment.
Storm Damage and Hazard Assessment
Central Ohio summer storms regularly bring down limbs and split trees. If you have storm damage, prompt professional attention prevents further harm. We also proactively assess mature trees for weak branch unions, decay, and other hazards before they cause property damage.
Tree Removal and Stump Grinding
When a tree is dead, dying, or dangerously located, removal is sometimes the right call. Our team handles complete tree removal and stump grinding safely and efficiently, leaving your property clean and ready for whatever comes next, whether that is new plantings, lawn, or a landscape renovation.
The Certified Arborist Difference
Anyone with a chainsaw can cut branches. ISA Certified Arborists understand tree biology, proper cut placement, and long-term plant health. Poor pruning creates permanent damage; professional pruning adds years to your trees’ lives.
Schedule your summer trimming with Quality Yard and Home Maintenance at (614) 559-0078. Serving Pataskala, Pickerington, Westerville, New Albany, and all of Licking and Fairfield Counties with quality you can trust.
