Bad time to trim a big oak?

[Bamboozled]

I've got an oak tree with a 35' canopy in the backyard that I need to trim for insurance purposes. From checking around online, it seems that spring/summer is not the best time to cut it due to oak wilt and other potential issues.

Two well-regarded tree service companies have said it's fine to cut it now as with one exception the branches to be cut are not major branches, they're about 2"-3" diameter which will not hurt this robust mature tree. Of course, they have a vested interest in saying this so I thought I'd ask here as well. I'm in zone 9b if it makes a difference. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[cpp gardener]

I’m guessing they want you to remove the big branch on the right side due to being close to the house.
The timing is okay, I would just be careful what gets removed doesn’t leave it essentially leaning to the left. If that’s the case, you might be better off removing the tree and planting another one farther from the house.

 

[Bamboozled]

Hey thanks cpp. The big branch is indeed on the right side, it hangs over into the neighbor's yard, but it's just the area in red below, the blue area will not be trimmed, so I think the tree will be still be in balance:

 

[Chuck]

Big Live Oak trees are trimmed here during the spring and summer months although fall and winter is a much better time. Oak wilt is all over Texas and this is a MAJOR concern when trimming susceptible types of oaks. It is imperative to paint the wound with Tree Wound Dressing or latex paint immediately after cutting the limb.

What type of oak is it? It might be a non-susceptible species and if so no painting is required. I see no other issues reguarding trimming this tree.

 

[Bamboozled]

Makes sense, thanks Chuck- it's a beautiful tree and I'd hate to damage/kill it.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I'd probably wait until fall but I truly don't know enough about oak wilt.

Two well-regarded tree service companies have said it's fine to cut it now

Of course, they have a vested interest in saying this

You are right about that. I've seen first-hand how shady most or all tree services are. They just want the job. They don't care about the health of the tree. I've even seen them lie about the health of a tree to convince a homeowner to take the entire thing down! It was a mature, healthy silver maple that had no history of dropping branches aside from a rare ice storm. It was super beneficial to wildlife, but the homeowner bought into the fears they were selling and had it removed entirely.

 

[Bamboozled]

That's too bad about the silver maple. Online reviews may help hold companies accountable, but due diligence is still needed before hiring anyone for such work.

Your native garden is wondrous. I've got wildflowers going but you've inspired me to plant more- Cheers!