When is the right time to cut a hinge?

If the trees are in active growth they should quickly heal over the wounds created by cutting a hinge- I usually cut my hinges in spring or winter when trees are dormant but there’s no reason not to do it now.

Leave the trees to deal with the injury- wrapping is not necessary and may be detrimental. Fungus, and not bacteria are the prime enemy of trees and a wrap will create a positive environment for fungus.