Not all trees will benefit from spring pruning, however there are certain varieties that will appreciate some growth being trimmed back now. Particularly those which suffer from diseases that may be more prevalent in summertime.
Some of these species will benefit from a light pruning, whereas others may require a more cutting back with a hedge trimmer to prepare them for the year ahead.
Gardening experts highlight some key tree types you may want to tackle before the end of spring.
1. Lawson Cypress
Jamie Shipley gardening expert and managing director of Hedges Direct suggests now is a good time to prune most conifers including the Lawson Cypress. Early spring and autumn are ideal times to trim back growth. For when to cut hedge varieties of cypresses, ensure that you aren't disturbing nesting birids.
"Being columnar, it's usually the height of conifers that need the most attention with the vertical sides of the tree only requiring a trim once a year. Trim any off-shooting branches or growth with secateurs or shears," says Jamie.
"Ensure the tools are sharp and disinfected before use to reduce the risk of damage or of disease taking hold after pruning. Cut the branch at an angle of around 60 degrees but avoid cutting anywhere near the collar of the branch (the raised area of bark at the branch base), as this could damage it.
"Always trim larger branches several inches away from the collar. Use secateurs on branches smaller than 1cm diameter and shears or a pruning saw on larger ones," he adds.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
2. Red Cedar
Another conifer that will require a spring tree cutting is the red cedar, but they require a lighter touch than the Cyprus.
"Leave at least 10cm of green growth where possible to retain dense foliage. Again, concentrate on the height of the cedar rather than the sides. As the cedar grows taller, make sure to slope the sides when you prune to create a narrower top and wider bottom to let light into the whole tree and allow it to shed snow more easily."
"Try to avoid pruning the red cedar in bright sun as the foliage is sensitive to both light and temperature and may scorch. Also remember to wear gloves when pruning as the foliage can aggravate skin," says Jamie Shipley.
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The telescopic handle is ideal for hard to reach branches on more mature trees and the carbon steel blade will cut through thicknesses up to 25mm.
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The long handles will make cutting branches less of a strain and you can vary the length if needed.
Jamie Shipley
Managing Director of Hedges Direct the UK's leading supplier of hedging plants.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
3. Young apple trees
Gareth Mitchell, founder of Tree2mydoor advises that young apple trees, under eight years old may benefit from a prune around early springtime to keep the tree size and shape under control in your garden design and to help channel the tree’s energy resources on growing fruit. More mature trees should be pruned in late winter
“When it comes to pruning effectively, it helps to remember the three T’s – tools, timing and technique. Using a decent pair of secateurs or pruning shears start by cutting off any obviously dead or diseased branches," says Gareth.
"Always cut back the branch to the direction that you want the tree to grow, to help control the shape a little better and retain the desired shape. Standard (well-sharpened) secateurs should suffice when dealing with smaller trees needing a quick tidy-up. One often overlooked step is to make sure your gardening tools are clean to help reduce the risk of disease.”
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
4. Cherry
"Early spring is the ideal time to prune cherry trees and pruning should begin just as buds start to swell but before they fully open," says Andrew Ward at Arbtech.
He urges it’s important not to prune too early though, so you should wait until the chance of any extreme cold temperatures has passed. And while sour cherries can be pruned in early spring, sweet cherries are best pruned in summer to reduce disease risk.
"Start by cutting out any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and cuts should be at a slight angle around 1-2cm above a healthy bud or side shoot. You may have little branches called suckers growing at the bottom of the trunk which add nothing to the tree and these can be removed as well," says Andrew.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Andrew Ward
Andrew has over a decade of experience in the ecology sector and has been part of the Arbtech team since 2015. Working with the UK’s leading experts in biodiversity, ecology, and tree surveys, he has gained extensive experience across a wide range of projects.
5. Plum
Andrew Ward suggests that spring is a good time to prune plum trees as they can be susceptible to silver leaf disease, a fungus which affects the wood and leaves, if pruned during winter. Summer is also a good time for pruning plum trees.
"They don’t require heavy pruning, but selective removal of branches is important for maintaining health and fruit production," says Andrew.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
6. Magnolia (evergreen varieties)
"Evergreen varieties of magnolia trees in your garden landscaping should be pruned in spring, and it's important not to mistake them with deciduous varieties which should be pruned in late summer," says Andrew Ward at Arbtech.
"Only a little pruning is generally needed and is primarily done to maintain health, to shape young trees after planting, and to renovate any misshapen or overgrown trees. For light pruning remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood and shorten any lengthy branches. Excessive pruning can stress magnolias, leading to poor flowering," says Andrew.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
7. Beech trees
Beech trees should be pruned during the dormant period either in late winter or early spring, and as Andrew Ward explains, while beech trees don’t usually have excessive sap bleeding, pruning at this time minimises stress.
"Another tree which requires little maintenance and will benefit from just a light pruning to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Removing branches that are growing too close together is important to promote good airflow and allow light to penetrate. However, note that fast-growing hedge beech trees may require more frequent pruning compared to standalone trees," says Andrew.
(Image credit: Alamy)
8. Elm
Elm should be pruned in early spring. "Fresh pruning cuts can attract elm bark beetles which spread Dutch elm disease. Therefore, you should avoid pruning between April and July. Any major pruning should be done in early spring or late autumn to minimise beetle activity risk," says Andrew Ward.
"The threat of Dutch elm disease makes regular pruning important for prevention. It’s critical to receive professional assistance when looking at any form of elm tree pruning," he adds.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
FAQs
Is spring too late to prune?
“Usually no, but be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can plan the best time to prune, avoiding any particularly hot or cold spells which may be out of the ordinary for the time of year," advises Gareth Mitchell, founder of Tree2mydoor.
Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra lawnmowers adds: “Whether your garden is full of hedges or trees, spring may be a great time to trim and prune them so they look neat and tidy and are ready for the upcoming season. Trees most prone to silver leaf disease are best pruned from April, so it’s best to check if any of your trees are at risk."
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Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.
In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.
