When should trees be cut back?

Question

I need to tidy up some trees but not sure when it’s safest to do it? Don't want to damage the trees and there's loads of conflicting advice online

Henry · Answer

Online can always give you lots of confusing answers to your questions but this time of year now is normally the time to start to get your trees sorted

Jon · Answer

Can cut back anytime of year, just depends on what type of tree and any nesting birds.

Robin · Answer

Hi Lou, so it can depend on what sort of tree it is but the majority are ideally cut at this time which allows for the spring to add regrowth and cover cuts . Ideally do it before harder frost can sometimes damage fresh cuts. Happy to come and see what you have without obligation. 
Kind reagrds,
Robin

Gary · Answer

Trees can be cut and tidied up all year round it's completely up to you when you want it done it does  not harm the tree to get it cut so don't worry about when to cut your trees thank you kind regards Gary from tree king

Andy · Answer

Different trees will have different timings, so the best advice is to identify your species and research that individually.

But, generally speaking, most broadleaf trees want to be cut back when they're most dormant in the winter months, so between November and February.

If you're planning to do anything between 1 March and 31 August, you need to be extremely careful to check for nesting birds, as it is an offence to disturb them.

Shaun · Answer

Hi 
Hope you’re well it’s best to cut Trees from now up to spring. 
Please do not cut them in spring time as sap is rising and it will leak out and kill the Tree.

Wayne · Answer

Hi Lou
     Winter time trees start to Huber are/ go dormant so now onwards is good to start the pruning process but if there’s rotting branches or limbs causing damage to property or risk of falling on people then any time really as long as the limb is cut properly and tidy

Nathan · Answer

Hard pruning is best to be carried out in the winter, latest early spring due to trees being dormant/ not growing.

the simple reasoning is that its less stress on the tree as it isn't allocating energy to both growing and healing the wound as it's not growing so therefore puts less stress on the tree.

there is still some trees that get pruned in the summer but a very small number of species

When should trees be cut back?

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