When to Carry Out Tree Pruning and Tree Removal in Orpington | Advice from Our Tree Surgeons

Tree surgery is an essential part of landscape maintenance, and, like many other landscaping tasks, there is an optimal time to carry out different aspects of tree work. Below, we explain the best time for tree pruning, tree removal and hedge cutting to ensure desired results and maintain plant health. Marchant Tree Care provides expert services for customers in Orpington and all the surrounding areas, and our tree surgeons are happy to advise on tree management and maintenance work for your property.
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Tree Pruning and Limb Removal

From crown thinning to reduction, it’s best to prune trees during their dormant period, which is often during the winter but varies by species. This is a stage of suspended growth, when the tree conserves energy. During this time, we can safely prune trees without causing stress.

As a general rule:

1. Evergreen Trees – Prune when they stop growing

2. Deciduous Trees – Prune during late winter

3. Coppicing – Late September to early March

However, light tree pruning and hedge cutting can be done all year round. For professional advice on specific trees, please contact our tree surgeons in Orpington and the surrounding areas.

Limb removal tree work should be carried out during the dormant stage to minimise stress on the tree and reduce exposure to insects and diseases.
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Tree Felling

If a tree is diseased or dangerous, it is best to remove it straight away, no matter the time of year. It is important to cut down trees that are at risk of falling to prevent injury or property damage. As environmentally conscious tree surgeons, we only recommend tree removal when necessary and try to avoid felling trees.

However, there are times when we cut down trees that are not posing a risk, such as to enable the development of the land. In these cases, it is best to fell trees during the colder, dormant months, whether by directional tree felling or sectional dismantling. During this time, the lack of leaves makes trees lighter, and it’s easier to see the branches for safe, efficient cutting. Furthermore, the ground and surrounding vegetation will not be disturbed as easily, and no wildlife will be nesting.
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Hedge Cutting

As with tree pruning, the best time of year to trim a hedge depends on the species and goal. In any case, you should avoid hedge cutting during nesting season, as it’s a criminal offence to disturb nesting birds or their eggs. Here’s a general guide for hedge trimming in Orpington and the surrounding areas:

1. Formative Pruning – Early spring, or winter if there’s no frost

2. Maintenance Trimming – Between spring and summer

3. Deciduous Hedges – Mid to late summer

4. Evergreen Hedges – Early spring or early autumn

If a hedge contains trees, they should be treated individually rather than as part of the hedge to ensure appropriate tree removal or other tree work.
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Marchant Tree Care | Expert Tree Services

Please get in touch with our tree surgeons for professional advice and services, including:

1. Directional Tree Felling

2. Sectional Tree Dismantling

3. Crown Thinning and Lifting

4. Crown Reductions

5. Formative Pruning

6. Coppicing

7. Pollarding

8. Tree Management

9. Hedge Cutting