Homeowners have been advised on why it is important to prune certain trees in the garden this winter.
Ecologists from Arbtech have shared their expertise on why pruning is important, which trees in particular benefit from winter pruning the most, and which trees not to prune.
With winter fast approaching, now is a great time to start thinking about garden maintenance that will encourage healthy growth come spring.
One helpful task that can be done throughout winter is pruning. The removal of dead, damaged or diseased branches will encourage the health and rejuvenation of the tree come spring time, as it will no longer be using energy towards those branches.
During winter most trees are dormant which is why it’s the best time to consider pruning as it is less stressful on trees. With sap being less active in winter, cuts to trees are less likely to bleed, and the tree gets less of a shock at being cut compared to when sap is in full flow.
Another big factor as to why it could be a good idea to prune trees in the garden is to help maintain their shape and size. Trees can outgrow a garden and can cause damage to buildings if not pruned and kept small.
It is also much easier to prune during the winter months. The lack of leaves on the tree makes it clearer to see the job being done.
Certain trees that can benefit from being pruned in the winter months include Apple, Mulberry and Poplar trees.
Whilst some trees should be left from pruning during winter, especially ones that flower in the spring. These include lilac or ornamental flowering trees such as Dogwood, Cherry, Pear and Magnolia trees.
Andrew Ward from Arbtech says: “Pruning certain trees in your garden can be a really good bit of garden maintenance as we head into the winter months.
“Most trees are dormant throughout winter which makes it a good time to do it, and with less leaves on trees as well it makes your job much easier as it enables you to see what you’re doing more clearly.
“Removing any damaged branches can really help towards the rejuvenation of your trees come spring, but it can also be a huge help in controlling the size of any trees that may be starting to overgrow in your garden.
“Trees that can benefit from pruning in winter include Apple and Poplar trees, but you would be best to avoid any trees that flower in the spring such as Dogwood or Magnolia trees.”