Looking to do some major limb removal. I'd like to get this done asap. How soon is too soon? Live/red oaks

Not a dendrologist or botanist.

From what I have read and understand, best time to trim live oaks is late summer through end of January. Of course trimming can be done now, but this time of year is generally when the potential for oak wilt transmission begins to accelerate, with fresh cuts an easier path for oak wilt to invade, though it can also take hold in an already compromised tree or via root structure from an already infected tree.
Can always cut and let nature take its course, can cut and cover cuts with some sort of dressing or latex paint, though I think we lack long term studies on what is best to cover cuts and opinion amongst professionals varies greatly.

If you cut it be sure and immediately seal it! Those little beetles are everywhere.

S.A. Aggie said:

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If you cut it be sure and immediately seal it! Those little beetles are everywhere.

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Definitely.

I just trimmed some today. We'll see.

Best time is at hottest time of year or at coldest time of year. You'll be fine now but be extra careful to pray your cuts. I would do that any time of year, though. I have a tree cut sprayer I ordered on Amazon. You just attach it to an express soon pole and you can spray cuts as far as your pole allows.

Also another tip is be sure to clean your saws/tools between trees. You can spray your blade/chains with Lysol or use some Rubbing alcohol 70% or more and or Pine Sol.

I guess I am going to jump in on this.

Frustrated as we keep getting pushed out on the schedule for tree trimming. It may occur this weekend but now as I look out I see buds on two of our 5 trees. Are we now too late and need to just wait for late summer? Our trees are really overgrown and hate to wait but wondering if trimming now is worse than a few more months of tree growth.

…just had a tree guy come out and he recommended we wait on most of our trees until summer so just going to go with him on that recommendation.