This is the best time to prune your trees

Of course, it remains a magnificent sight, one or more trees in your garden. It provides a lot of life with all the birds and insects living in it, a tree provides shade on hot days and it’s just nice and green. But as with everything that grows and flourishes in the garden, a tree also needs maintenance. For example, it is wise to prune trees from time to time. When is the best time to do that and how to go about it, you can read in this blog.

Pruning different types of trees

There are many different types of trees, so it is not surprising that not every tree should be pruned at the same time. Therefore, the following types of trees are distinguished for pruning:

• ABC trees – these are trees such as maple, birch and hornbeam.
• Lime trees – these are trees such as the lime, sycamore and chestnut.
• Fruit trees – these are trees such as the apple, pear and plum.
• Pollard trees – these are trees such as the oak, poplar and willow.

ABC tree pruning

ABC trees are the trees whose Latin name begins with an A, B or C. These trees should only be pruned in the summer months, i.e. from June to October. ABC trees should never be pruned in the winter because they lose too much sap through the pruning wounds.

Pruning espaliers

Slate trees can be pruned annually. You do this in the winter from November through March. Is it freezing? Then prefer to wait to prune, as frost can affect the tree on the pruning wounds.

Pruning fruit trees

The same applies to fruit trees as to espaliers. You can prune them every year as well, and if you do, it should be during the winter months.

Pruning pollard trees

Pollard trees, finally, are also trees that should be pruned in winter. The ideal pruning period for these is from November through February. Topiary trees often only need to be pruned once every five years.

This is how to prune a tree

Is it time to prune your trees? If so, don’t rush it. Pruning a tree can be a tricky job. Here’s how you increase your chances of success:

• Use sharp tools.
• Always prune away dead wood.
• Do not prune away more than one-third of the crown at one time.
• Do not prune fruit trees in wet weather.
• Remove double knots as much as possible.

Professional maintenance of your trees

Are you not comfortable trimming your trees yourself? Not to worry, because you can also leave this to the professional arborists of StukArt gardens. You can also contact us if you have questions about tree trimming. Make an appointment or ask your question via the contact form.