When is the best time to prune trees?

An important question to ask, especially if you are a homeowner. Incorrect pruning of a tree/trees at the wrong time of year can result in more harm than good, a bad job done by a tree surgeon can result in further call outs (and expense to you) to fix a problem. Perhaps more importantly a botched job can easily result in a tree becoming infected by disease and making it more likely to shed limbs or fall completely, making it a danger to property and life.

Generally speaking, the best time to prune trees in order to avoid disease is in the Winter. This leaves only a small amount of time that the tree will have an open wound before the fresh growth of Spring can heal it. Care should be taken when pruning to only remove up to 30% of foliage to negate any potential stress or damage to the tree.

When it comes to some evergreens, such as spruces & firs, they can be pruned at any point throughout the year as they will still sprout buds once the initial bud has been removed, however it is still advised that this is carried out during the winter before their growth begins.

It does bear reminding that, when it comes to damaged or diseased limbs, often time is a factor and it has to be dealt with there and then. Such instances should only be handled by competent professionals with relevant training that can ensure that the pruning is done to a degree that mitigates the chance of further infection or damage to the tree.

The most important thing to remember about pruning trees is that, if you are in any doubt about what you are doing, the best idea is to get in touch with us. We would be more than happy to advise you on your situation and give you a no obligation visit and quote.