When to prune trees UK?

When it comes to trees, it’s rarely a good idea to part them from their leaves. The primary purpose of a leaf is to gather sunlight, which it converts into food through photosynthesis, so removing leaves from a tree will restrict its ability to feed. We recommend pruning most deciduous trees between late autumn and early spring once their leaves have fallen and while they’re dormant. Prune your trees before any new growth begins, as pruning after this point may limit that year’s potential growth.

However, as with most rules, there are always exceptions. It may not be evident, but tree species such as Birch, Walnut and Maple begin their growth during early winter. Sap within these trees starts to rise, and if cut, they’ll “bleed” extensively. Sap bleeding will lead to hydration loss and prevent the wound from healing, leaving the tree vulnerable to pests, disease and fungi. Summer to mid-winter is the best time to prune Birch, Walnut and Maple. 

Also note: Prunus species, such as Cherry, depend on the production of gum or resin to defend against wound-related pathogens, so you should only carry out pruning in the summer.

Where evergreen trees and hedges are concerned, the rules differ significantly. Trim or prune an evergreen hedge or tree in the autumn, and they’ll have no chance of renewing their leaves before winter hits. With a lack of leaves, they’ll struggle to maintain their energy levels through this period, making them more susceptible to pests, disease or decline. We suggest pruning evergreen trees and hedges in March/April before they produce new growth. Spring pruning allows them to recover before winter and gives them the best chance to stay healthy.

At Guildford Tree Surgeons, our experienced arborists have extensive knowledge of when and how to prune trees to ensure their health and beauty for years to come. For further information, visit our tree pruning services page or contact a team member; we’re always happy to help.

The tables below will identify the best times to prune different tree species in the UK.

The worst time to prune trees is when they’re in leaf or when the cuts/wounds will be subject to severe conditions such as frost, drought and periods of fungal sporulation (Autumn).

Pruning trees correctly can be tricky, so if you’re a little apprehensive about doing it yourself or your project requires you to work at height, we strongly recommend hiring a certified tree surgeon. For expert pruning advice or to book a free quote with a highly experienced, fully insured and NPTC qualified tree surgeon in Surrey, contact us today.

FAQs about when to prune trees UK

When to prune oak trees UK?

In the UK, you should prune oak trees during their dormant season, typically from late autumn to late winter (November to March). Avoid pruning in spring and summer when trees are actively growing and most vulnerable to disease and insect-borne infections like Oak Decline. If safety is a concern, you can remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches at any time of year, but if possible, wait until the winter months to avoid disease transmission.

When to prune plum trees in UK?

Prune plum trees in the UK from late spring to mid-summer (May to July) to allow wounds to heal quickly and avoid silver leaf disease, which is a significant risk with winter pruning. Young trees benefit from early pruning in mid to late spring (April to May), while it’s best to prune established trees in mid-summer after harvest. Pruning plum trees in dry weather helps prevent fungal and bacterial infections.

When to prune cherry blossom trees UK?

Prune UK cherry blossom trees in mid-summer (June to July) after they have finished flowering, to lower the risk of silver leaf disease and other fungal infections. Focus on pruning dead, diseased, and damaged branches, as well as any that cross each other, to enhance air circulation and light penetration. When pruning cherry blossom trees, limit the removal to 25% of their canopy in a single season.

When to prune magnolia trees UK?

In the UK, prune deciduous magnolias between mid-summer and early autumn (July to October) after flowering, to remove weak growth points and shape the tree. Prune evergreen magnolias in late spring or early summer (May to June), before the risk of late frosts. Concentrate on removing any dead or damaged wood and shaping young trees. For wall-trained magnolias, prioritise shaping them after they have flowered in summer by cutting back any shoots that grow away from the wall.

When to prune Victoria plum trees UK?

Prune established UK Victoria plum trees in late spring (April to May) to remove larger branches and in mid-summer to late summer (July to September) to make smaller cuts to new growth. Avoid pruning Victoria plum trees in the winter months to limit the risk of fungal infections like silver leaf disease, which can kill the tree as its wounds won’t heal properly when it’s not actively growing.