Overview

What tree maintenance should I do annually? Art's Tree Service shares a complete tree care checklist to help Sarasota homeowners protect their property in 2026.

Highlights

• How often should trees be trimmed in Florida?
• What tree maintenance should I do annually?
• When should I schedule tree trimming?
• Complete tree care checklist for 2026
• Schedule your 2026 tree care plan

Introduction

A new year is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your property and plan ahead. For Sarasota homeowners, that includes your trees. Trees add value, beauty, and shade to your home, but they also require regular attention to stay healthy and safe.

Without a plan, tree maintenance often gets pushed aside until a problem becomes urgent. Overgrown branches, storm damage, and declining tree health can lead to expensive repairs or dangerous situations that could have been prevented.

This guide provides a complete tree maintenance checklist for 2026, answers the most common questions about annual tree care in Florida, and helps you create a schedule that protects your property all year long.

How Often Should Trees Be Trimmed in Florida?

Most trees in Florida should be trimmed every one to three years, depending on the species, age, location, and growth rate.

Florida's warm climate and long growing season mean trees grow faster here than in cooler regions. That faster growth often leads to more frequent trimming needs, especially for trees near structures, power lines, or walkways.

Trimming Frequency by Tree Type

Different trees require different schedules:

• Oak trees: Every 2 to 3 years for mature trees. Young oaks may need shaping annually.
• Palm trees: Once or twice per year to remove dead fronds and seed pods.
• Fruit trees: Annually, typically after the fruiting season ends.
• Fast-growing trees (like maples): Every 1 to 2 years due to rapid branch development.
• Ornamental trees: Every 1 to 3 years depending on desired shape and growth.

Trees located near your home, roof, driveway, or power lines may need more frequent attention regardless of species. Branches that overhang structures should be monitored closely and trimmed before they become hazards.

Signs Your Trees Need Trimming Sooner

Even if your trees were recently trimmed, watch for these indicators that suggest earlier service is needed:

• Dead or broken branches visible in the canopy
• Branches touching or rubbing against your roof or siding
• Limbs hanging over walkways, driveways, or play areas
• Dense growth blocking light or airflow through the canopy
• Storm damage that was not fully addressed
• Branches interfering with power lines or streetlights

Addressing these issues promptly prevents bigger problems and keeps your property safe.

What Tree Maintenance Should I Do Annually?

Annual tree care in Florida should include inspection, trimming, health assessment, and planning for the year ahead. Consistent maintenance extends the life of your trees and reduces the risk of storm damage or unexpected failures.

Annual Tree Care Tasks for Sarasota Homeowners

Here is what property maintenance in Sarasota should include each year:

• Visual inspection: Walk your property and look for dead branches, leaning trees, cracks in trunks, fungal growth, or exposed roots.
• Professional assessment: Schedule a tree care expert to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, and potential hazards.
• Pruning and trimming: Remove dead, damaged, or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth and reduce storm risk.
• Palm maintenance: Trim dead fronds, remove seed pods, and inspect for signs of disease or pest activity.
• Stump evaluation: Address any remaining stumps that could attract pests or create tripping hazards.
• Mulching: Refresh mulch around tree bases to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Storm preparation: Before hurricane season, have trees inspected and weak branches removed.

Tasks to Address as Needed

Some tree care tasks depend on your specific property conditions:

• Tree removal: For dead, dying, or dangerously positioned trees.
• Stump grinding: To eliminate tripping hazards and prevent pest infestations.
• Cabling and bracing: For mature trees with structural weaknesses.
• Tree planting: To replace removed trees or add shade and value to your property.
• Emergency services: After storms or unexpected tree failures.

Working with a professional tree service helps you identify which tasks apply to your property and prioritize them throughout the year.

When Should I Schedule Tree Trimming?

The best time to schedule tree trimming in Sarasota depends on your goals, the tree species, and the time of year.

Best Seasons for Tree Trimming in Florida

• Winter (December to February): Ideal for most major trimming projects. Trees are in their slowest growth phase, which reduces stress and allows cuts to heal before spring.
• Early Spring (March to April): Good for shaping and light pruning after new growth begins. Avoid heavy cuts during active growth.
• Late Spring (May to June): Focus on pre-hurricane preparation. Remove weak or overextended branches before storm season.
• Summer (June to August): Address hazards and storm damage. Avoid major pruning during extreme heat.
• Fall (September to November): Post-hurricane cleanup and preparation for winter maintenance.

When to Book Your Tree Service

Tree care companies in Sarasota get busy during certain times of year, especially before and after hurricane season. To ensure availability:

• January to February: Schedule winter trimming and annual assessments.
• April to May: Book pre-hurricane inspections and storm preparation services.
• October to November: Plan for post-storm cleanup and end-of-year maintenance.

Booking early gives you more flexibility with scheduling and ensures your trees get attention before small issues become major problems.

Complete Tree Care Checklist for 2026

Use this month-by-month tree maintenance checklist to stay on top of property maintenance in Sarasota throughout the year:

January

• Schedule annual tree inspection with a professional
• Identify trees that need trimming or removal
• Plan your tree care budget for the year
• Consider planting new trees while conditions are ideal

February

• Complete major pruning projects before spring growth
• Remove dead or damaged branches from winter storms
• Address any stump grinding or removal needs
• Refresh mulch around tree bases

March to April

• Light pruning and shaping as new growth appears
• Monitor trees for signs of pest or disease activity
• Check irrigation systems to ensure trees receive adequate water
• Schedule pre-hurricane tree assessment

May to June

• Complete storm preparation trimming
• Remove weak, dead, or overextended branches
• Inspect trees near structures, power lines, and walkways
• Document tree conditions with photos for insurance purposes

July to August

• Monitor trees during peak heat and adjust watering if needed
• Address any storm damage promptly
• Avoid major pruning during extreme temperatures
• Watch for signs of stress such as wilting or yellowing leaves

September to October

• Post-hurricane inspection and cleanup
• Assess trees for hidden damage from storms
• Remove fallen debris and broken branches
• Schedule fall trimming if needed

November to December

• Final inspection before year end
• Plan tree care priorities for the following year
• Consider memorial or celebration tree planting through Life Leaves
• Book early for winter trimming services

Schedule Your 2026 Tree Care Plan with Art's Tree Service

Starting the new year with a tree care plan protects your property, saves money on emergency repairs, and keeps your landscape looking its best.

Art's Tree Service Sarasota offers a full range of services to support your annual tree maintenance:

• Tree pruning and trimming
• Tree removal
• Stump grinding
• Emergency tree services
• Tree installation
• Life Leaves memorial and celebration tree planting

Our family-owned team understands the unique needs of trees in Southwest Florida. We provide honest assessments, clear recommendations, and professional service you can count on.

Call Art's Tree Service to Start Your 2026 Tree Care Plan

Do not wait for a problem to remind you that your trees need attention. A proactive approach to annual tree care in Florida keeps your property safe, beautiful, and valuable.

Call Art's Tree Service Sarasota today at (941) 877-1317 to schedule your tree inspection and plan your maintenance for 2026. We proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.