When should I prune my large Birch tree?

Question

Hello 
I have a silver birch tree in my garden, adjacent to my house. It is getting quite tall and is getting very close to the gutter. 
I would like to get it trimmed down to a more reasonable size to reduce any risk of strong winds causing the tree to cause damage to my house. 
Is there a best suited time of the year to cut the top of the tree off? I am worried cutting it before or during winter may kill the tree, which I definitely don’t want. 
Any advice on this would be appreciated.

James · Accepted Answer

Birch trees aren't deciduous so timing doesn’t matter it’s how the tree is pruned that matters. I have regular customers I see every January and I have regular customers I see every July with birches and I achieve the same result with both parties their trees continue to flourish year after year I go back the most important thing is how the tree is pruned. If the tree is growing close to your property then I do recommend getting it done sooner rather than later as the more the tree becomes established the difficulties become greater and the price higher. In regards to your concern about the tree blowing over, I wouldn’t worry the odds of this happening are about the same as winning the lottery. Lastly I have a btec in horticulture 9 separate nptc qualifications and a lantra award also I’m an isa registered arborist so you know my advice comes from solid foundations I hope this helps kind regards James Young

Luke Reece · Answer

Late summer or early autumn. During spring and summer (the birches growing time) they are prone to bleeding heavily which can lead to disease in the tree.

Alfred · Answer

Most trees you should cut late winter , early spring but with silver birch They bleed a heavy flow of sap if pruned when awakening from their winter rest, so the best time to prune birch trees is late summer or early autumn.

jack · Answer

Hi
Actually, Winter would be the best time for you to have the tree size reduced. Especially as Birch trees are in hibernation during the Winter, so the sap is not flowing like it would in the warmer seasons. 
Pruning in warmer seasons would more likely be more harmful to the Birch, particularly the Spring when sap is rising through the tree.

Jamie · Answer

Hi ya silver birch tree can be topped any time of the year as
It does not flower if you need it doing give me a call

When should I prune my large Birch tree?

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