Paso Robles is home to some of California’s most iconic oak species — from valley oak to coast live oak. But improper pruning can kill these trees faster than any storm. Whether you live in the Templeton foothills or run a vineyard just outside city limits, knowing when to prune makes all the difference.

Why Timing Matters?

The golden rule with oak trees is this: never prune during peak sap flow or spore season. That means avoid pruning in spring, especially March through June, when trees are most vulnerable to oak wilt and sudden oak death.

The safest pruning window is late fall to early spring, when the trees are dormant and fungal activity is low.

Signs It’s Time to Prune Branches rubbing or growing too close to structures

• Excess weight on long limbs
• Deadwood buildup
• Equipment access issues
• Early signs of decay

Our ISA Certified Arborists follow best practices for Pruning, Trimming & Maintenance to improve safety and preserve health.

Mulch After Pruning: Apply Arbor Mulch in a 2–3” layer around the tree — keeping it away from the trunk — to retain moisture and protect roots.

Schedule expert oak pruning with 4th Generation Tree