When is the best time to prune a tree? A Tree surgeon’s guide
If you want healthy, safe, and great-looking trees, timing matters more than most people realise.
At Access Arborists we’re regularly asked: “When is the best time to prune my tree?” Many assume the answer is always winter — but in reality, different species respond differently to pruning, and choosing the wrong time can affect growth, increase susceptibility to disease, or even cause long-term damage.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best pruning times for the most common UK species so you can make informed decisions and keep your trees in excellent condition year-round.
Most Broadleaf Trees: Late Spring to Late Summer
For the majority of UK native and ornamental broadleaf species — including oak, ash, beech, hornbeam, and hazel — the ideal pruning window is late spring through to late summer.
During the active growing season:
Trees seal wounds more quickly
Their natural defences are strongest
Risks of fungal infection are significantly reduced
Why not prune in autumn?
Although autumn is often seen as a tidy-up season, pruning at this time can stimulate soft, rapid new growth that is extremely vulnerable to early frosts. This dieback wastes the tree’s stored energy and can lead to structural weakness.
Sap-Bleeding Species: Avoid Early Spring Pruning
Some species respond to early spring pruning by “bleeding” large amounts of sap. While not usually fatal, excessive sap loss can stress the tree and attract insects.
Avoid early spring pruning for these trees:
Birches (Silver, Downy, Himalayan)
Walnuts (Common & Black Walnut)
Maples / Acers (Sycamore, Field Maple, Norway Maple, and ornamental Acer cultivars)
These species are best pruned in mid-summer, when sap pressure is naturally lower.
Prunus Species (Cherries, Plums, etc.): Avoid Summer Cuts
Trees in the Prunus genus — including ornamental and fruiting cherries — are prone to bacterial canker, especially when wounds are made in warm, humid summer weather.
To reduce risk:
Avoid summer pruning
Prune in late spring or early autumn, when canker spores are less active
Remove any dead or diseased wood promptly
These species naturally exude a resin-like gum when damaged, but this is not a substitute for good pruning timing.
Apple & Pear Trees: Winter Pruning for Better Fruit
Traditional orchard species — particularly apple and pear — benefit from winter pruning (January–March). When the tree is dormant:
Its structure is easy to see
Cuts encourage vigorous new growth in spring
Fruit buds are stimulated, improving next season’s crop
For trained forms (espaliers, cordons, fans), summer pruning can also be highly beneficial because it:
Keeps the shape compact
Increases sunlight exposure
Encourages fruit bud formation
Conifers: Minimal Pruning and Careful Timing
Most conifers dislike heavy pruning. Species like spruce, fir, and Douglas fir will not produce new growth from old, brown wood. Cutting too hard can leave permanent bare patches.
General guidelines:
Prune only if necessary
Light shaping should be done in late spring or early summer
Avoid cutting back into old wood
Certain conifers, such as yew, are more forgiving and can regenerate well even after more substantial pruning, but even these are best trimmed during the growing season.
Need Professional Tree Pruning in the UK?
Correct pruning can be important for:
Tree health and longevity
Safety around homes, roads, and public spaces
Better fruit production
Maintaining shape and appearance
At Access Arborists our qualified arborists follow BS3998:2010 tree work recommendations. We provide expert pruning tailored to each species, ensuring your trees remain healthy, safe, and beautiful.
👉 Contact us today for a free quote or site visit.
We’ll assess your trees, recommend the best pruning approach, and carry out all work safely and professionally.
Need more information? The Arboricultural Association offer an excellent guide on pruning UK tree species.