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Is Spring the Right Time to Prune Trees

May 18, 2024

Choosing the best time of year to prune trees can be a balancing act to make sure you support strong growth.
Spring is a natural time of year for people to turn their thoughts to garden and grounds maintenance.
And a tree that has become overgrown with unsightly- or even dangerously overhanging branches – will quickly grab your attention.
Early action is the best solution, and spring is a prime time to prune trees that need overdue attention—although it all depends on the species.
Why is spring a good time to prune trees? 
The most crucial factor in considering when to prune a tree is to minimise any damage and ensure pruning supports the tree’s growth.
Pruning a tree at the wrong time of the year can sometimes cause damage as it interferes with the natural growth cycle and how the tree will harvest its reserves through the winter – or support new growth.
As new growth generally occurs in plants in the spring, the earliest part of spring is an excellent time to look at any work that needs doing.
Before the sunnier weather encourages swifter growth, March and April usually leave enough time for tree pruning.
With better weather, and problem areas on a tree more visible, the early months of spring are ideal for thinning trees and removing damaged branches to allow trees to make the most of the fertile summer months.
Well-timed, considerate tree pruning in spring will help trees to grow in a strong and even structure.
Pruning trees in spring is an ideal time to:
• Help plants access more sunlight by managing the flow of light by cutting back thick branches.
• Identify dead, decaying, or broken tree branches as the signs of new growth appear on healthy branches.
• Control and maintain the growth of most evergreen trees, hedges, and bushes.
• Make structural changes in your garden.
Caution: Be wary of new growth when pruning trees in spring
Not all trees are suited to be pruned in the spring, however, which makes using a professional tree surgeon invaluable.
A tree surgeon can advise you on the best way to care for a particular tree, which may mean pruning it in the autumn, winter, or summer, depending on the species.
The problems are related to how quickly the tree can heal itself from pruning work and whether pruning could actually damage new growth.
Always be wary of the signs of new foliage appearing on tree branches when considering pruning, as this is an integral part of how a tree receives and distributes nutrients.
A professional tree surgeon will always tell you the best time to prune a tree, as heavy pruning during bloom could seriously harm it.
Spring pruning can also leave some trees vulnerable to disease or insect attacks.
For example, species such as birch, oak, and sycamore should be pruned in the late autumn or winter.
To avoid damage to trees and to ensure the best results always use a professional tree surgeon.
Vergo has fully trained tree surgeons working at commercial and domestic properties.
Please get in touch to make an appointment for one of our specialists to assess any trees that may need work.
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