Many people think of tree pruning as a winter job, done when the leaves have fallen. Winter is a good time for a lot of work, but summer pruning has its own advantages, and for some trees it is actually the better choice. Here is what to prune in summer, what to leave alone, and why timing matters.
Why prune in summer?
You can see what you are doing
In full leaf, it is much easier to see dead branches, as they carry no leaves, and to judge how dense and heavy the crown really is. It also shows clearly how much light a tree is blocking from a garden or house.
Wounds close faster
Trees are actively growing in early summer, so they respond to pruning cuts more quickly. Good pruning, carried out to BS 3998:2010, makes cuts at the right points so the tree can seal them off naturally.
Slower regrowth
Heavy winter pruning often triggers a flush of vigorous new shoots in spring. Pruning in summer tends to produce less regrowth, which can help keep a tree at a manageable size.
Trees that are best pruned in summer
- Cherries, plums and other stone fruit. Pruning these in winter increases the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker. Summer, when the trees are growing strongly, is the safer time.
- Trees that “bleed” sap. Birch, maples and walnuts can lose a lot of sap if pruned in late winter and spring. Pruning them in summer or early autumn avoids this.
- Trained trees and hedges. Pleached trees, espaliers and formal hedges are usually trimmed in summer to keep their shape. Our post on pleaching and training trees explains more.
Common summer pruning jobs
- Removing dead, diseased or damaged branches
- Crown lifting, to clear paths, drives, lawns and views
- Crown thinning, to let more light into a garden
- Light reductions, to reduce the size and weight of a crown
- Formative pruning of young trees, to set up a strong structure for the future
What to avoid in summer
Heavy reductions in hot, dry weather
Removing a large part of the crown during a drought adds stress to a tree that is already struggling for water. Major reductions are usually better left until autumn or winter, unless there is a safety reason to act sooner.
Disturbing nesting birds
Summer falls in bird nesting season. Any work must be checked carefully for active nests, which are protected by law. See our post on bird nesting season and tree work.
Topping
At any time of year, avoid “topping” a tree by cutting off the top of the crown. It leaves large wounds, weak regrowth and often a tree that needs more work, not less.
How much is too much?
As a general rule, a healthy mature tree should not lose more than a modest proportion of its leaf area in one go. Older and stressed trees need an even lighter touch. A good tree surgeon will explain what they plan to remove and why, rather than simply cutting the tree back as far as possible.
Summer tree pruning in Worcester
Faithful Tree Care carries out crown reductions, thinning, lifting and formative pruning across Worcester, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. You can read more about our approach in tree pruning and reductions, or call 07828 786300 to arrange a visit.
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