The winter can be the best time being in dormancy. However, tree trimming is an all year service, so the answer is knowing how much to remove that most important.

Never trim more than 25% of a tree when pruning. A good trimmer can do it and make it look nice.

Water in early morning , and infrequent deep watering is preferred to frequent shallow watering. Water heavy once a week.

I would have to say on average about 1850.00 plus tax per day for trimming, and about 2500.00 plus tax for removal, however several variables can influence the cost.

Spring and fall are best times to fertilize. Adding systemic imidacloprid insecticide with spring treatment will be enough if put down properly (watering consistently is most important).

It's better to trim every 2 to 3 years , depending on growth. However, if the tree service has the proper understanding of how much to remove, and the art to make 25% removal work is most important.

Listen! Listen to what they are saying . If it doesn't seem to make sense, go with another service. Look at their previous 2 jobs. Make sure they have a minimum of 7 years in business.

A canopy that has been raised properly , not too high.. like a tree should look. Dead wood removed, along with suckers.

Not stripped out limbs that might remind you of a lions tail .. a term that's actually used in the arborist manual on what not to do. Over trimming and lack of water are the two worse things you can do to your trees .

Any oak, preferably burr oak , live oak , cedar elms, and last Chinese pistachio. All with up-right canopies, not a draping canopy.