Winter in Arizona is quiet. Trees slow down. Leaves fall. Growth pauses.
And while it may look like nothing is happening, winter is actually one of the best times for a certified arborist to take a closer look at your trees.
Why? Because when trees are dormant, their structure—and their problems—are easier to see.
At Shady Deal Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborist, Iliana, uses winter assessments to spot issues early, protect your property, and set your landscape up for a healthy year ahead. Here’s what she’s looking for when she steps onto your property this season.
Structural Strength (or Weakness You Can’t See in Summer)
Without full canopies blocking the view, winter reveals a tree’s true form.
Iliana examines:
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Crossing or rubbing branches that can weaken over time
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Unbalanced growth that may cause leaning or failure
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Heavy limbs that could snap in strong winds
Catching these issues now allows for strategic pruning, not emergency removal later.
Dead, Diseased, or Damaged Limbs
Dead branches don’t heal—and they don’t wait for summer storms to fall.
During a winter assessment, Iliana checks for:
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Branches that no longer produce buds
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Signs of decay or fungal growth
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Old storm damage that hasn’t properly healed
Removing these limbs now keeps your property safer and your trees healthier before spring growth begins.
Early Signs of Disease or Pest Stress
Winter doesn’t eliminate tree problems—it just makes them quieter.
A certified arborist knows how to spot subtle warning signs, including:
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Bark cracking or discoloration
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Unusual swelling or cavities
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Evidence of past pest activity
Addressing these early can prevent long-term decline or costly removals down the road.
Storm Readiness (Before Storm Season Returns)
Arizona may be calm now, but we all know that storm season always returns.
Winter assessments focus on:
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Canopy density (too thick = too much wind resistance)
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Weak branch attachments
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Trees growing too close to structures or power lines
This proactive approach reduces the risk of damage when winds and monsoons return.
Smart Winter Pruning Opportunities
Winter pruning is one of the safest and healthiest times to trim trees.
Iliana evaluates:
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Which branches should be removed vs. preserved
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How to shape growth for spring
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Where pruning will improve airflow and strength
Every cut has a purpose—and every decision is based on long-term health, not quick fixes.
Why Certification Matters
Anyone can cut a branch.
A certified arborist understands why and where to cut—and when not to.
Iliana’s ISA certification means:
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She follows industry safety and pruning standards
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She understands Arizona-specific tree stressors
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She prioritizes preservation whenever possible
If you’d like to learn more about why professional expertise matters, we recommend reading:
Why Hiring a Certified Arborist Matters
Start the Year with Healthy Trees
Winter tree assessments aren’t about finding problems—they’re about preventing them.
A quick check now can:
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Reduce emergency calls later
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Save money on future repairs
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Keep your landscape safe and thriving year-round
Schedule a Free Winter Tree Assessment with Iliana
January is the perfect time to plan.
At Shady Deal Tree Service, our goal is to help you keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. By providing expert insights and professional care, we protect your property and give you peace of mind.
Ready to handle that problem tree? The ISA Certified Arborists at Shady Deal Tree Service are here to help homeowners across the Phoenix Metro Area.
Call 623-703-2536 or visit shadydealtreeservice.com to schedule your free tree service estimate today.