The Quiet Danger Above: Why Fall Tree Pruning Protects More Than Just Your Lawn

Autumn in Ontario is a season of slow golden fades and crisp air, of geese overhead and leaves underfoot. But while your attention may be drawn to the garden beds or the fading blooms, there’s something else happening above your head — and it’s worth looking up for.

Deadwood and Widowmakers

Among the most overlooked risks in urban landscapes are dead branches left hanging silently in the canopy. These are more than an eyesore. Arborists call them widowmakers for a reason. In high winds or under the weight of early snow, they can come crashing down with surprising force. Fall pruning removes these dangers before winter storms turn them into liabilities.

Even healthy trees need attention. Branches that stretch toward your roofline may seem harmless, but they create easy access points for squirrels and raccoons. Once these animals find a bridge to your home, they often find their way inside. Keeping a healthy space between tree limbs and your structure protects your attic from becoming an uninvited nesting site.

The Canopy and the Climb

There is beauty in a well-elevated canopy. Pruning the lower limbs of a tree not only improves its shape and health, it invites light into the space beneath. This is especially important in front yards where visibility, safety, and curb appeal go hand in hand.

By selectively lifting the canopy, you discourage climbing animals while also enhancing airflow and sunlight. This small intervention can transform a heavy-looking tree into a sculptural focal point in your landscape.

When the Tree Isn’t Yours

Before trimming a tree near the sidewalk or curb, it’s essential to determine whether it belongs to you or the City of Toronto. Many trees planted in front lawns fall under city jurisdiction, and pruning them without permission can result in fines or safety issues. If the tree is near power lines, reach out to Toronto Hydro. Reducing the gap between branches and power lines is a job for professionals.

Even when it’s your property, pruning near power lines is never something to take lightly. Trees are excellent conductors of electricity, and a misstep with a handsaw or pole pruner can lead to serious injury. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to contact a licensed arborist or request a tree inspection from the city. It could save you from legal issues, electrical hazards, or worse.

A Season of Preparation

Tree pruning is more than aesthetic. It’s a step toward a safer, more resilient property. At Select Landscaping & Construction, we approach every yard with an ecological eye and a practical hand. Fall is the season to act, as the leaves are thinning and structure is still visible.

Much like cleaning the eavestroughs or putting away the patio furniture, pruning is part of a larger rhythm of seasonal readiness. Healthy trees in the fall lead to fewer surprises in the winter. And when spring returns, you’ll be rewarded with stronger growth, better shape, and the satisfaction of a job well timed.

Call us before the first frost. Your trees will thank you in spring.