Each tree and tree location presents different answers to the above.

Transplantation of mature coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) as mitigation for development of oak woodlands has been a common practice in southern California. Typically, tree canopies are severely pruned (up to 70 percent loss) at the time of root pruning, which usually takes place in the extreme heat of late summer/early fall. The justification for this is to reduce transpirational stress and “balance” the Cited by: 1.

Should I be concerned about the branches over my house?

Jul 18, From the standpoint of reducing risk of infection by wood decay fungi, pruning in late spring or early summer is probably preferable. In general, pruning live branches from mature oaks should be kept to a minimum.

However, if it is necessary to prune coast live oak branches, as long as they are less than 4″ in diameter, the presence of SOD is not a concern. To trim a branch back, you want to try and cut just above a bud whose direction is usually up and out on the Coast Live Oak. It is also important to leave enough branches along the trunk and main limbs to feed the tree.

Trimming up too far can weaken this tree. Branches that cross or rub on one another are bad and should be removed. Wrong pruning proceedures, such as topping this tree, can be very harmful as it is prone to disease or damage from open pruning.