Franklin Tree & Home Maintenance Calendar

January

Dormant season

0 of 3 done

Look up into the bare trees for dead, broken or hanging limbs.
Why it matters
Without leaves, problems are easy to see.
When to call a pro: Leave high or large limbs to a tree crew.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Book dormant-season pruning. See when to prune.
Why it matters
Many trees are best pruned while dormant.

February

Late winter

0 of 3 done

Prune young trees to set a strong single leader.
Why it matters
Early structural pruning prevents weak forks later.
Check gutters for twigs and leaves from winter winds.
Plan any tree removals before spring growth.

March

Storm season begins

0 of 3 done

Walk the yard after each storm and look for cracked or hanging limbs.
Why it matters
Spring brings severe thunderstorms to Middle Tennessee.
Keep limbs a few feet clear of the roof.
Why it matters
Branches on the roof wear shingles and let pests in.
Know where your insurance details are.

April

Spring growth

0 of 3 done

Watch for trees that leaf out thinly or late.
Why it matters
It can be a sign of decline.
When to call a pro: Have an arborist check a tree that is clearly declining.
Prune spring-flowering trees just after they bloom.
Mulch around trees, keeping it off the trunk.
Why it matters
A ring of mulch protects roots from mowers.

May

Heavy rain

0 of 3 done

After long, heavy rain, check big trees for soil heaving at the base.
Why it matters
Saturated soil can let trees tip over.
Service the air conditioner.
Keep mowers and string trimmers away from trunks.
Why it matters
Bark wounds let decay in.

June

Summer heat

0 of 3 done

Water young trees deeply once a week in dry spells.
Why it matters
New trees have small root systems.
Look for mushrooms or conks at the base of trees.
Why it matters
Fungus often signals decay.
Check swings and treehouse limbs before summer use.

July

Hot and humid

0 of 3 done

Avoid heavy pruning in the hottest weeks.
Why it matters
Trees are already stressed by heat.
Clean the dryer vent and AC condenser.
Look for wilting or scorched leaves on young trees.

August

Late summer

0 of 3 done

Keep watering young trees in dry weeks.
Trim shrubs back from the house.
Plan fall tree planting.

September

Early fall

0 of 3 done

Check trees near the house before fall storms. See storm prep.
Why it matters
Fall is also prone to severe thunderstorms.
Book a furnace check.
Have dead trees near structures removed.
Why it matters
Dead wood breaks easily in wind.
When to call a pro: Leave large removals to a tree crew.

October

Leaf fall

0 of 3 done

Clean gutters as leaves fall.
Plant new trees while the soil is still warm.
Why it matters
Fall planting lets roots grow before summer.
Disconnect hoses from outdoor taps.

November

Late fall

0 of 3 done

Mulch new trees before winter.
Note trees with weak forks for winter pruning.
Test the carbon monoxide alarms.

December

Early winter

0 of 3 done

Keep an eye on limbs over the roof and driveway in winter storms.
Have the chimney swept if you burn wood.
Plan next year's tree work.

Franklin Tree & Home Maintenance Calendar

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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Tree work on this month's list?