Tree Pruning

We are commonly asked ‘when’s the best time to prune a tree?’

Unfortunately its not such a straightforward answer…

Before undertaking pruning operations it is necessary to understand the tree and the process of how it grows. This will help inform the decision on why, how and when to prune.

A tree is a dynamic living organism that has a self-supporting woody stem. Through the process of photosynthesis the tree converts carbon from the atmosphere into sugars, which it uses to make the building blocks of cellulose and lignin required to sustain its self-supporting structure. The sugars produced are transported throughout the tree via the inner bark area, known as the phloem, to where they are required; sugars not immediately required are stored within the trunk, branches and rooting system.

The tree roots absorb water and other essential nutrients and minerals from the soil, which are then transported to the leaves via tubular vessels called xylem. The minerals, along with the sugars produced via photosynthesis, are used to produce the flower and subsequently fruit to advance the next generation of trees. - Arboricultural Association

We should then consider why the tree needs to be pruned?

This can be for a number of reasons, to include more light, reduce size, safety etc.

When to prune?

Pruning operations should usually be undertaken after the leaves have ‘flushed’ and hardened, which is around late spring through summer. Some species such as Birch, Walnut and Maples, will ‘bleed’ sap and risk losing valuable sugars in the process if pruned in early spring, therefore the pruning of these trees should be carried out when this risk is low i.e. summer or mid winter.

Species belonging to the genus Prunus such as Cherry partially rely on the production of a resin or gum to aid in the defense against wound related pathogens, therefore pruning should occur in the summer. In general, pruning should avoid periods where the exposed wood will be left open to severe conditions such as drought, frost, and periods of fungal sporulation (autumn).

It is very important to realise however, that the removal of tree branches can be a dangerous process and the safest option, particularly if the branch cannot be reached from the ground, is to employ a suitable trained and insured arborist (also known as a tree surgeon).

It should be noted that in most circumstances, unless there is a potentially hazardous structural defect that needs to be addressed, it is always best to prune trees as little as possible, as removing large amounts of wood and foliage reduces the ability of the tree to photosynthesise and can put the tree under significant stress.

We will be happy to provide site/tree specific advice and recommendations along with completing tree works professionally and safely for you, please click below.

Further information can also be found on the Arboricultural Association website.