Spring Pruning in the UK: What to Prune Now (and What to Leave Alone!)
- Alt Arb Ltd
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
April Spring Pruning Tips from Alt Arb
Spring is here in full swing – daffodils are out, birds are singing, and gardens are waking up after winter. It’s the season when everything starts growing again... and for some trees, it’s also the perfect time for a little tidy-up.
But when it comes to pruning, timing really is everything. Cut at the wrong time, and you could stress your trees or leave them vulnerable to disease. So what can you prune now – and what should you absolutely leave alone?
What Can Be Pruned in April
🌲 Conifers and Evergreens
Now is a good time to prune many evergreens – such as yew, holly, and laurel – to keep them in shape. Conifers can also be lightly trimmed to control size and encourage denser growth. Just be careful not to cut into old wood that has no green growth, as many won’t regenerate from this.
🌿 Shrubs and Hedges
If your garden hedges or evergreen shrubs are starting to look unruly, early to mid-spring is ideal for a formative prune. Make sure there are no nesting birds before you start – it’s a legal offence to disturb them!
What Not to Prune in Spring
🌳 Silver Birch & Walnut Trees
These trees are best left alone until late summer (around August). If pruned now, they tend to ‘bleed’ sap heavily, which not only looks unsightly but can attract pests and potentially weaken the tree. Birch and walnut are best pruned when the sap flow slows down later in the year.
🌸 Stone Fruit Trees (Like Cherry, Plum, Peach)
Avoid pruning these now, as spring pruning can increase the risk of silver leaf disease. Wait until mid to late summer to make any cuts to these trees, especially if you’re aiming for fruit production.
🍎 A Note on Fruit Trees
Pruning fruit trees can be tricky – and timing is key.
Apples and pears should ideally be pruned in winter while dormant, but a light tidy in early spring is okay if you missed the winter window.
Trained fruit trees (espaliers, cordons) might benefit from some minor spring pruning to shape and encourage bud development – but don’t overdo it!
If you’re not sure what to prune and when, it’s best to speak to a professional. Incorrect pruning can reduce fruit yield or cause lasting damage.
🌳 Need a Hand?
Whether you’ve got an overgrown hedge or you're unsure about your orchard, Alt Arb is here to help. We offer expert tree care and pruning services across Gloucestershire, with safety and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
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