When is the best time of year to have work done on my trees?

Maintaining your trees’ health and safety involves carefully planning and selecting the best time of year for tree care. Proper timing ensures that the work not only enhances the health of your trees but also minimises stress.

Ideal times for tree care

For most trees, the best time to undertake any major tree work is from late autumn through winter. During these months, most trees enter a dormant phase, which reduces the risk of stress and minimises the loss of energy. Tree pruning, trimming, and other maintenance tasks are generally safer and more effective during this period, as the trees are not actively growing and with extra energy reserved, trees can heal more quickly.

Additionally, with the absence of leaves on deciduous trees, it’s easier for tree care specialists to assess the tree’s structure and perform work with better visibility.

Why avoid tree work in spring and early autumn?

Spring and early autumn are the times when trees are either actively growing or preparing for dormancy.

During spring, trees draw upon their stored nutrients to grow new leaves and branches, and pruning at this time can disrupt this process, potentially leading to stunted growth or vulnerability to disease. Similarly, early autumn is a period when trees are pulling nutrients from their leaves before they fall. Tree work during this time can deprive the tree of those essential nutrients, weakening it ahead of the colder months.

Exceptions

While late autumn and winter are generally the ideal times for tree maintenance, some exceptions require attention during different parts of the year.

Walnut trees

When pruned during dormancy, Walnut trees are prone to sap bleeding through open wounds. To avoid this, walnut trees should be pruned from mid-summer to early autumn when the risk of sap loss is minimised. This timing helps prevent the tree from losing too many nutrients and ensures healthier growth in the future.

Hazardous trees

Safety is always a priority when dealing with hazardous trees. If a tree is dead, diseased, or poses a risk to people or structures, immediate action should be taken regardless of the season. Minor tree work, such as removing dead branches, typically won’t have a significant impact on the tree’s overall health and can be performed at any time of year.

Considerations for tree removal

Tree removal can be done at any time of year, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important factors is the bird nesting season. All bird species and their nests are legally protected, with the primary nesting period spanning from March to July. Before removing a tree, it’s essential to check for active nests. If no birds are nesting, the removal can proceed, but if there are nests, work must be postponed until the birds have left.

For trees with sparse canopies, such as broad-leaved species, checking for nests is usually straightforward. However, for evergreens like conifers, which often have dense foliage, it can be harder to confirm the absence of nests. In these cases, it’s often best to schedule work outside of the nesting season.

Final thoughts

The best time of year to have work done on your trees depends on the species, the type of work needed, and any safety concerns. In general, late autumn through winter is optimal for tree care, but some exceptions require different timing. Always consider factors like bird nesting season, and when in doubt, consult a professional.

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