Tree Pruning Services

Pruning is a vital technique in arboriculture for maintaining tree health, aesthetics and safety. When a tree is pruned, it responds to the wound with a process known as compartmentalisation — the tree’s natural defence mechanism against decay spreading from the damaged area.

There are many reasons why trees might need pruning, including:

• Improving the structure of the tree
• Removal of dangerous or defective branches
• Reduction of shading
• Reduction of wind loading
• Providing clearance between the tree and a structure, road or pathway

Care must always be taken when pruning, as removing too big a branch can let disease enter the tree via the wound, or reduce vitality due to excessive loss of leaf-bearing material. Safety is of prime importance when working with trees, so before beginning any pruning make an honest appraisal of your capabilities — or contact us today for expert, skilled tree pruning.

Young trees: formative pruning

While many trees will naturally form their adult shape as they grow, others need a little assistance to create a clear trunk and a well-spaced canopy of branches. It is wise to keep an eye on young trees and carry out formative pruning as required.

Quick facts

• Suitable for young trees, from one year old
• Timing varies, but is often in winter for deciduous trees and spring for evergreens
• Depending on species, formative pruning should ideally continue annually for up to five years

When to prune trees

Deciduous trees

Deciduous trees (which lose their leaves in winter) are usually pruned in autumn and winter. In some cases — magnolias and walnuts, for example — pruning is best done in late summer, as healing is quicker.

Trees such as Prunus species, which are prone to silver leaf disease, are best pruned from April to July when disease spores are not on the wind and the tree’s sap is rising rather than falling.

Some trees can bleed sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. Although seldom fatal, this is unsightly and can weaken the tree — birches and walnuts often bleed if pruned at the wrong time. Healthy trees will generally tolerate minor summer pruning, for example corrective pruning to raise hanging branches or remove weak growth, which is easier to assess in full leaf.

Evergreen trees

Evergreens seldom need pruning, although dead and diseased branches can be removed in late summer.