Expert Advice From A Certified Arborist
As a certified arborist at P and P Tree Services, I often get asked, “Should I prune my trees in the summer?” It’s a great question and one that deserves a thoughtful answer.
Pruning is an essential part of tree care, but timing is everything. In this blog post, I’ll explore the ins and outs of summer pruning. When is it beneficial, when to avoid it, and how to ensure your trees stay healthy, all year round.
Understanding Tree Pruning
Pruning is more than just cutting branches. It’s a vital horticultural practice that shapes a tree’s growth, encourages flowering and fruiting, manages disease, and ensures safety. Proper pruning can drastically improve the appearance and health of your trees, but incorrect timing or technique can do more harm than good.
Benefits of Summer Pruning
While late winter or early spring is often considered the optimal time for most pruning tasks, summer pruning has its place in the tree care calendar. Here are some key benefits:
Growth Control: Summer pruning helps manage excessive growth by removing unwanted shoots and branches, directing the tree’s energy where it’s needed most.
Improved Appearance: Tidying up your trees in summer keeps your garden looking neat and prevents overhanging branches from becoming a nuisance.
Disease Management: Certain fungal diseases are less active in dry summer weather, lowering the risk of infection when cuts are made.
Visibility: With leaves fully out, it’s easier to identify damaged, diseased, or crossing branches that need removal.
Drawbacks and Risks of Summer Pruning
Despite its benefits, summer pruning isn’t without risks. Here’s what to consider:
Stress on Trees: Pruning in the heat of summer can stress trees, especially if too much foliage is removed, reducing their ability to photosynthesize and store energy.
Vulnerability to Sun Scald: Removing too much canopy exposes bark and branches to intense sunlight, which can lead to Sun Scald and bark damage.
Reduced Vigour: Heavy pruning in summer can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Which Trees Benefit Most from Summer Pruning?
Not all trees react the same way to summer pruning. Here are some that can benefit:
Stone Fruit Trees (like Cherry or Plum): Pruning these in summer helps prevent silver leaf disease, which spreads in wetter, cooler months.
Maple and Birch: These trees bleed sap heavily if pruned in late winter or early spring. Summer pruning avoids this issue.
Hedges and Shrubs: Summer is a good time to shape and tidy hedges and ornamental shrubs.
However, large oaks, elms, and trees prone to stress should typically be pruned in their dormant season to minimise risk.
Best Practices for Summer Pruning
If you decide to prune in summer, keep these best practices in mind:
Only remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and avoid heavy thinning.
Never remove more than 10-20% of the canopy at once.
Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and reduce the risk of disease.
Prune on cooler, overcast days, if possible, to minimise heat stress.
Focus on the health and structure of the tree, rather than drastic shaping.
When to Call a Professional Arborist
While small, simple cuts can be managed by homeowners, larger or high up branches, or trees with a history of disease, should always be handled by a certified arborist. We have the expertise and equipment to ensure the job is done safely and correctly, protecting both you and your trees.
Conclusion
So, should you prune your trees in the summer? The answer depends on the species, your goals, and the health of your trees.
Summer pruning can be beneficial for certain types of trees and specific situations, but it must be approached thoughtfully to avoid stress and damage.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to P and P Tree Services. As certified arborists, we are here to help your trees thrive, no matter the season. Have questions or need expert help? Contact Us today for tailored advice and professional tree care services. You may also be interested in reading our blog post – How Much Water Do My Trees Need During Hot Weather?
