Tree Pruning

Pruning means cutting away certain parts of a tree, like branches or buds, to help it grow better and stay safe. Knowing when to prune and what type of pruning to do can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your trees. In this guide, we’ll explain when to prune trees and the different types of pruning we offer to keep your trees thriving.

Timing is everything when it comes to pruning your trees in Leicester. Pruning at the right time helps trees heal quickly, grow stronger, and avoid stress. The best time to prune depends on the type of tree, its health, and what you want to achieve. For most trees, late winter or early spring is ideal. During this time, trees are dormant, meaning they aren’t actively growing. Pruning in late winter, just before spring growth starts, encourages healthy new growth and helps the tree recover quickly. This is especially true for deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in winter, like oaks, maples, or ash trees common in Leicester. Pruning in late winter also makes it easier to see the tree’s structure since there are no leaves blocking the view.

However, some trees need pruning at different times. For example, flowering trees like cherry or magnolia should be pruned right after they bloom. This is because these trees set their flower buds for the next year soon after flowering. If you prune them in late winter, you might cut off the buds and miss out on beautiful blooms. Evergreen trees, like pines or cedars, can be pruned in early spring or late summer, depending on their growth cycle. Leicester Tree Services knows the specific needs of different trees, so we can advise you on the perfect time to prune your trees to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Weather and tree health also play a role in when to prune. Avoid pruning during extreme weather, like very hot summer days or freezing winter conditions, as this can stress the tree. If a tree is sick or damaged, we may recommend pruning right away, no matter the season, to remove dead or diseased branches and stop problems from spreading. For instance, after a storm in Leicester, you might notice broken branches hanging dangerously. Our team can step in quickly to prune these safely, protecting both the tree and your property.

Now, let’s talk about the different types of pruning we offer at Leicester Tree Services. Each type has a specific purpose, whether it’s to improve the tree’s health, shape, or safety. One common type is crown thinning. This involves carefully removing certain branches from the tree’s canopy to let more light and air pass through. Thinning reduces wind resistance, which can prevent branches from breaking in storms, and it helps the tree stay healthy by improving airflow. It’s great for dense trees like maples or sycamores, which can become heavy and overgrown without regular care.

Another type is crown raising. This means removing lower branches to create more space underneath the tree. Crown raising is perfect for trees near walkways, driveways, or buildings, where low branches might block paths or scrape against structures. For example, if you have a tree near your Leicester home that’s brushing against your roof, we can raise the crown to clear the area while keeping the tree healthy. This type of pruning also improves visibility, making your garden or yard feel more open and welcoming.

Crown reduction is another important technique. This involves trimming back the outer edges of the tree’s canopy to make it smaller. It’s useful for trees that have grown too large for their space or are getting too close to power lines or buildings. Crown reduction keeps the tree’s natural shape but reduces its size to make it safer and more manageable. At Leicester Tree Services, we take care to cut branches properly so the tree stays balanced and can heal quickly after pruning.

Deadwooding is a type of pruning that focuses on removing dead, dying, or diseased branches. These branches can be a safety hazard, as they might fall unexpectedly, especially during windy Leicester weather. Deadwooding also helps the tree by stopping disease or pests from spreading to healthy parts. Our team carefully inspects the tree to identify which branches need to go, ensuring the tree stays strong and safe. This is a common service we provide for older trees or those that haven’t been maintained in a while.

Formative pruning is ideal for young trees. This type of pruning helps shape the tree as it grows, encouraging a strong structure that will last for years. By removing weak or crossing branches early on, we can guide the tree to develop a healthy framework. This is especially important for fruit trees or ornamental trees in Leicester gardens, where a good shape improves both appearance and productivity. Formative pruning sets the tree up for a long, healthy life and reduces the need for major pruning later.

Pollarding is a more specialized type of pruning, often used for trees like willows or poplars. It involves cutting the tree back to a main framework of branches, usually every few years. This creates a compact, bushy canopy and keeps the tree at a manageable size. Pollarding is common in urban areas of Leicester, where space is limited, or for trees along streets that need to stay small and tidy. It’s a dramatic technique, but when done correctly, it can keep trees healthy and attractive for decades.

Fruit tree pruning is another service we offer, tailored to trees like apple, pear, or plum trees. Pruning fruit trees is different because the goal is to boost fruit production while keeping the tree healthy. We prune to open up the canopy, letting sunlight reach the fruit and encouraging better yields. This usually happens in late winter or after harvest, depending on the tree. Leicester Tree Services knows how to prune fruit trees to maximize your harvest while keeping the tree in great shape.

Hedge trimming, while not exactly tree pruning, is a related service we provide. Hedges need regular trimming to stay neat and healthy, just like trees. We shape hedges to your desired style, whether it’s a formal box shape or a softer, natural look. Regular trimming prevents hedges from becoming overgrown and keeps your Leicester property looking sharp. We also clear away clippings to leave your garden clean and tidy.

At Leicester Tree Services, we always prune your trees with care, using sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts. This helps the tree heal quickly and reduces the risk of disease. We follow industry standards to ensure every cut is made at the right angle and in the right place, avoiding damage to the tree. Our team is trained to assess each tree’s needs, so we never remove more than necessary. Over-pruning can weaken a tree, so we take a balanced approach to keep it strong and healthy.

Pruning isn’t just about cutting branches—it’s about understanding the tree’s needs and your goals. Whether you want a safer yard, a better-looking tree, or more fruit, we tailor our pruning to suit you. We also consider the local Leicester environment, like our changeable weather and common tree types, to make sure our work is effective. After pruning, we clean up thoroughly, removing all debris so your property looks great.

If you’re unsure about when or how to prune your trees, don’t worry. Leicester Tree Services is here to help. We can inspect your trees, recommend the best time and type of pruning, and carry out the work with skill and care. Regular pruning keeps your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful, adding value to your property. Whether it’s a single tree or an entire garden, we’re ready to help you keep your trees in top shape. Contact us today to learn more about our pruning services and how we can make your trees thrive.

Leicester Tree Services
6 St Georges Way
Leicester
LE1 1SH
Phone: 01164035555