When it comes to tree pruning, no two trees are the same; one tree’s perfect prune can be  completely wrong for another. Even when you have researched the type of tree you are working with and know how you’d like to prune there is still one factor that can make or break a tree pruning: timing.

The best time to prune your trees depends on the reason you want do the tree pruning.

Every tree has different pruning requirements; some trees need pruning to help foster new growth, other trees need pruning to reduce growth and improve shape, whilst other tree pruning is for maintaining and improving tree health or ensuring the safety of trees.

When is the best time to perform tree pruning?

If you want to prune to stimulate new growth late winter and very early spring tree pruning is always recommended. The more the tree is pruned back in the winter months the more vigorously it will flourish in spring time.

Even if a tree is newly planted in the winter months don’t be afraid to prune straight away as this is the best time to achieve the tree height and shape you desire (formative pruning).

Another benefit of tree pruning in winter for deciduous trees, is that you have easier access to trees, less sap bleeding, and a clearer view of branch structure before the spring foliage starts to grow.

When is the best time to perform tree pruning to limit growth?

If you need to limit the growth of an out of control tree, then you will need to perform tree pruning during the summer months. So you don’t stress the tree, be sure to only prune back  dead, diseased, damaged or rubbing branches and avoid pruning any major scaffold branches as over-pruning in summer can also leave your tree’s foliage susceptible to sunburn damage.

New growth after summer pruning will be considerably less vigorous than the growth that comes after winter pruning. Minimal pruning is required in winter if summer tree pruning has already been done.

When is the best time to perform tree pruning to maximise flowering?

Tree pruning to maximise flowering on an ornamental tree is best carried out after the tree’s flowers have faded. The ideal time to prune flowering trees is after the petals have started to drop and before new shoot growth starts.

Pruning to shape a flowering or ornamental tree in its first few years will improve its flowering ability and most flowering/ornamental trees do not require a great deal of pruning after this initial shaping period. Weeping trees in particular benefit from initial tree pruning and you should always aim to create an umbrella shape when pruning these varieties.

When is the best time to prune to repair damage

Trees can be damaged in a number of ways. Collisions, lightening strikes, storms, infestation and previous poor pruning work can cause obvious signs of tree damage. But trees can also be damaged in less obvious ways by drought, infection, chemical poisoning or soil deficiencies.

If you suspect your tree is damaged or unhealthy it is best to have an expert prune back the damaged area of a tree a soon as you notice it. Wounded trees that are left untreated become at risk of infection and dying, which could end up costing a lot to remove in the long run.

When is the best time to perform tree pruning to improve safety?

Trees that have branches that may fall, are interfering with power lines or buildings, are very low lying, or appear leaning or dead all pose risks to both the people and the property around them.

Whatever you do don’t attempt hazardous tree pruning on your own!

Most people do not have the equipment or skills necessary to prune hazardous trees safely or effectively.

Even if you feel you are capable of safely pruning your trees, if you attempt to prune a hazardous tree and your incorrect pruning later causes injury or losses to someone else you can expect to have any insurance claims refused and may even be liable for the damages.

If you suspect that a tree or parts of a tree might be structurally unsound it is best to arrange for professional tree advice and leave the tree pruning or tree removal to the experts.

Why consult a tree pruning expert?

Before you embark on any tree pruning it’s worthwhile checking if your plans will be affected by any legal restrictions.

There are many rules surrounding tree pruning, depending on the type of tree, tree location and the extent of the work you would like to do. Sometimes you need to lodge a formal application to your local council before you prune a tree, especially if it is situated on council land or area that has a protection order covering it.

The team at River City Trees will help to ensure that all of your tree pruning is safe, and compliant with local council regulations.