What should I look for when inspecting my trees this spring?

Focus on dead, diseased, and dying branches — those are the three things an ISA-certified arborist checks first. Look for hanging limbs from past storms, bark cracks, and any trees that didn't leaf out this spring. Also check the base of your trees for mushroom-like fungal growth (Ganoderma), which indicates root rot and structural instability.

Is it safe to trim oak trees in the spring in Central Texas?

No. The oak pruning ban runs February 1 through June 30 in Central Texas to prevent the spread of oak wilt. Nitidulid beetles are most active during this window and are attracted to fresh pruning wounds on oaks. Schedule oak trimming for July through January. Non-oak species can be trimmed in the spring.

How much of my tree's canopy should be pruned at one time?

Tree Scouts recommends removing no more than 10 to 25 percent of the canopy at a time. Leaves are the only part of the tree that produce food — removing too many weakens the tree and makes it more vulnerable to disease and storm damage. If a company offers to remove half the canopy, that's a red flag.

Tree Scouts on FOX 7 Austin | Spring Tree Care Tips

Tree Scouts owner and arborist Erek Flynn was featured live on FOX 7 Austin's Good Day on March 22, 2026, walking viewers through what Central Texas homeowners should be looking for as their trees come out of winter dormancy and enter the spring growing season.

Here are the key takeaways from the segment.

Dead Trees Are More Than an Eyesore — They're a Fire Hazard

Erek started the segment at a cedar that didn't leaf out this spring — a clear sign it's dead. For homeowners with larger properties, dead trees like this can go overlooked for months. But with Central Texas fire warnings running high, dead cedars and other dried-out trees are a serious fire hazard. They also create habitat for rattlesnakes and other wildlife you may not want near your home, your family, or your pets.

If you have dead trees on your property, don't wait. Have them professionally removed before they become a safety risk — and schedule stump grinding to eliminate the remaining hazard.

The Three Things an Arborist Looks For

When Tree Scouts assesses a live oak this time of year, the inspection focuses on three things: dead, diseased, and dying branches. Those are the priority targets for any spring tree trimming visit — cleaning out what's no longer healthy so the tree can put its energy into new growth.

Beyond deadwood, arborists look for hazardous branches — especially limbs hanging over your house, your driveway, or areas where your family spends time outdoors. Central Texas had a major ice storm in 2023, and many trees still have hanging branches (called "hangers") that never got addressed. Those are ticking time bombs before the next severe weather event.

Ants Aren't the Enemy — But They're Telling You Something

One of the most common concerns homeowners bring up is ants on their trees. Erek explained that ants are actually a positive indicator of decay — they nest in the dead areas of the tree, which means there's deadwood that needs professional attention. The ants aren't causing damage, but their presence is a signal.

A bigger concern is fungal mats growing near the base of the tree, known as Ganoderma. This indicates the roots are rotting below ground, meaning the tree could become structurally unstable and fall over at any point. If you spot mushroom-like growth at the base of a tree, contact an ISA-certified arborist immediately for a tree risk assessment. In some cases, removal may be the only safe option.

Don't Over-Prune Your Oaks

Erek made a point that's especially important for Central Texas homeowners: over-pruning is one of the most common mistakes he sees across Austin and the surrounding area. The leaves are the only part of the tree that produce food. Removing too many live branches starves the tree and weakens its structure.

Tree Scouts follows a rule of pruning no more than 10 to 25 percent of the canopy at a time. The goal is a balanced canopy — one that's strong enough to withstand wind, ice, and storms without breakage. If a company is offering to "thin out" your oak by removing half the canopy, that's a red flag.

Also remember: the oak pruning ban runs February 1 through June 30 in Central Texas to prevent the spread of oak wilt. Schedule oak work for July through January.

Hire the Right Company

Erek closed the segment with advice that matters more than any single tree care tip: hire a company with the credentials to back up their work. That means an ISA-certified arborist on staff, an experienced crew, and people who genuinely care about the health of your trees — not just cutting them down.

As Erek put it, referencing Dr. Seuss's The Lorax: "He speaks for the trees — that's what you've got to do. We're in an era where everybody wants to take down trees to put buildings up. We've got to save some."

Watch the Full FOX 7 Segment

Watch the full segment on FOX 7 Austin's website.

Get a Free Spring Tree Assessment

Tree Scouts is headquartered in Georgetown, TX, and serves homeowners and businesses across Georgetown, Leander, Austin, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Round Rock, and the surrounding Hill Country. Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists, TRAQ-qualified professionals, and an Urban Forest Professional.

For a free on-site spring tree assessment, call 512-265-0861 or visit our contact page.