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Tree care calendar · Month 5 of 12

May tree care and tree service checklist

May is peak growth and peak storm season in much of the country. Leaves are fully out, and phones are busy with pruning, removals and storm cleanup.

Homeowner tasks, crew tasks and a marketing to-do list for May, split into 7 US regions. General guidance: local weather moves things by weeks.

By Umair Nawaz · Published October 25, 2026

See my region Marketing to-do

May by region

Pick your region. Homeowner tasks are what to check and when to call a pro. Crew tasks are what tree companies are typically busy with.

Northeast

Roughly: New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

For homeowners

  • Prune spring-flowering trees after they bloom, as a general guide.
  • Look for early signs of pests and disease on new leaves.
  • Water new trees in dry stretches.

For tree crews

  • Demand is high. Keep quotes quick and follow-ups consistent.
  • Promote tree health care and pruning.
  • Ask for reviews right after each job.

Southeast

Roughly: Virginia to Florida, plus Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi

For homeowners

  • Hurricane season is close. Check for weak limbs and dead trees before June 1.
  • Keep an eye on leaf color and thinning crowns.
  • Book removals before the summer storm period.

For tree crews

  • Prepare your hurricane and storm plan now.
  • Write down your storm pricing and surge rules.
  • Pre-sell hazard tree removals.

Midwest

Roughly: Ohio to the Dakotas, Kansas and Missouri

For homeowners

  • Severe storm season continues. Know your risky trees.
  • In oak wilt areas, avoid pruning oaks during the high-risk spring period unless local experts say otherwise.
  • Look for early signs of pests like leaf feeders.

For tree crews

  • Storm cleanups and tree pruning are busy.
  • Be careful of oak wilt rules on oak jobs.
  • Track leads from every source so you know what pays.

South Central

Roughly: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas

For homeowners

  • Severe weather can still happen. Watch tall trees near the house.
  • Oak wilt cautions still apply in many areas. Ask a local pro.
  • Water young trees as heat builds.

For tree crews

  • Storm cleanups, removals and pruning keep crews busy.
  • Make sure heat safety plans are in place.
  • Handle storm leads fast, since slow replies lose jobs.

Mountain West

Roughly: Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

For homeowners

  • Wildfire season prep is a priority. Prune and clear space around the home.
  • Late storms can still bring wind and hail.
  • Water trees deeply in dry spells.

For tree crews

  • Sell defensible-space and fire-wise pruning.
  • Prepare for wind and dry-season conditions.
  • Check equipment before summer.

Southwest

Roughly: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, desert California

For homeowners

  • Get pruning done before monsoon season and peak heat.
  • Remove dead or dangerous limbs before summer storms.
  • Ask a pro about summer watering for mature trees.

For tree crews

  • Heat safety is key. Schedule early starts.
  • Pre-monsoon pruning is a strong offer.
  • Collect reviews while customers are happy.

West Coast

Roughly: Coastal California, Oregon, Washington

For homeowners

  • Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 offshore, though it rarely affects the coast directly.
  • Dry season begins. Clear dead wood near the home.
  • Ask about bird nesting rules before any pruning.

For tree crews

  • Check nesting rules and local fire rules.
  • Promote fire-wise tree care.
  • Keep permit paperwork organized.

May at a glance

The first homeowner and crew task for each region. Full lists are above.

May tree care tasks by US region
RegionTop homeowner taskTop crew task
Northeast Prune spring-flowering trees after they bloom, as a general guide. Demand is high. Keep quotes quick and follow-ups consistent.
Southeast Hurricane season is close. Check for weak limbs and dead trees before June 1. Prepare your hurricane and storm plan now.
Midwest Severe storm season continues. Know your risky trees. Storm cleanups and tree pruning are busy.
South Central Severe weather can still happen. Watch tall trees near the house. Storm cleanups, removals and pruning keep crews busy.
Mountain West Wildfire season prep is a priority. Prune and clear space around the home. Sell defensible-space and fire-wise pruning.
Southwest Get pruning done before monsoon season and peak heat. Heat safety is key. Schedule early starts.
West Coast Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 offshore, though it rarely affects the coast directly. Check nesting rules and local fire rules.

Storm watch · May

May risks include peak tornado and severe thunderstorm activity in the Plains, South and Midwest, strong winds and hail, flash floods, and early-season coastal storms.

Homeowners: stay away from downed lines, call the utility, and call 911 if anyone is in danger. Tree companies: see the storm season guide, the storm response checklist and the storm capacity planner.

For tree service owners

May marketing to-do

  1. 1

    Promote hazard tree removal ahead of hurricane and summer storm season.

  2. 2

    Publish a storm-readiness checklist for homeowners on your site.

  3. 3

    Keep your Google Business Profile active with posts and recent photos.

  4. 4

    Ask for reviews after every job while the work is fresh.

  5. 5

    Review your pricing and capacity before the summer rush.

  6. 6

    Prepare an emergency page with a clear phone number and what to expect.

Free toolPromo calendarTurn this list into dates for your posts, door hangers and offers. Free toolSeasonal demand calendarSee which months are busy or slow for your own service mix. Free toolMissed-call season calculatorBusy months mean more missed calls. Estimate what they cost you.

May questions

When does hurricane season start?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1. The eastern Pacific season starts May 15. May is a good month to get trees checked.

Should I remove a dangerous tree before storm season?

If a tree is dead, leaning, cracked or hanging over your home, it is wise to have an insured pro look at it before storms arrive.

Can I prune my tree in May?

Many trees can be pruned, and spring-flowering trees are often pruned right after they bloom. Oaks may have special timing in some areas.

What should a tree company do in May?

Answer calls fast, quote quickly, follow up on every estimate, and prepare storm pricing and crew safety rules for summer.

Why does my tree look sick in May?

It could be pests, disease, drought stress or storm damage. A certified arborist can look at it and tell you what is going on.

Which region should I read for May?

Read the region that holds your state. If you live near a region edge or at high elevation, read the neighbor region too and shift the timing by a week or two. Mountain areas often run several weeks behind nearby lowlands.

How should a tree company plan marketing for May?

Start promoting about three to six weeks before the work you want, so posts, door hangers and Google updates are live when people start calling. Our free promo calendar tool helps you turn the marketing list on this page into dates.

Is this May checklist professional advice?

No. It is general seasonal guidance written in plain English. For a specific tree, a homeowner should ask a local, insured tree professional or a certified arborist, and for pest timing follow the state extension service.

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