Summer Tree Care Tips: Pruning Deciduous Trees the Correct Way

Summer Tree Care Tips: Pruning Deciduous Trees the Correct Way

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty and shade of your deciduous trees, but it’s also an ideal season to give them a little attention. While winter is traditionally seen as the main pruning season, summer pruning has its own important place in the long-term care and management of healthy trees.

At Artemis Tree Services, we’re often asked: “Is it okay to prune in summer?” The short answer is – yes! When done properly, summer pruning can benefit the structure, safety, and aesthetics of your trees.

Deciduous trees are trees that shed their leaves annually, usually in autumn. Common examples of deciduous trees, many of which are found across the UK include oak, sycamore, ash, beech, silver birch, horse chestnut, hornbeam, lime, cherry and maple.

Why Prune Deciduous Trees in Summer?

• Improved Visibility: With leaves fully out, it’s easier to spot dead, damaged, or diseased limbs that might be hidden in winter.
• Control Growth: Summer pruning slows down overly vigorous growth. It’s ideal for managing size or encouraging a more compact shape.
• Better Airflow and Light: Thinning out dense canopies improves air circulation and allows light to reach the inner branches and ground below which is great for both tree health and your garden.
• Pest & Disease Management: Removing infected or infested limbs early can help prevent problems from spreading.

What to Prune

• Dead, Diseased, or Dying Wood: These should always be removed as soon as they’re spotted.
• Crossing or Rubbing Branches: These can cause wounds and weaken the tree’s structure.
• Suckers and Water Shoots: These fast-growing, non-productive shoots take energy away from the main canopy.
• Low-hanging Branches: Prune for clearance over paths, driveways, and seating areas.

What to Avoid

• Major Structural Pruning: Save large-scale shaping or heavy crown reductions for winter, when trees are dormant.
• Pruning During Extreme Heat: Avoid cutting on the hottest days – fresh cuts can lose moisture quickly, stressing the tree.
• Over-pruning: Removing too much foliage in summer can reduce the tree’s ability to photosynthesise, leaving it vulnerable.

Leave It to the Experts

Every cut counts. Incorrect pruning can cause long-term damage, invite disease, or create hazards. That’s why it’s important to trust qualified professionals, especially when working at height or on mature trees.

At Artemis Tree Services, our experienced arborists understand the unique needs of deciduous trees throughout the seasons. Whether it’s selective pruning, crown thinning, or general summer maintenance, we work with care and precision to keep your trees healthy, safe, and looking their best.

Get in touch today to book a site visit or get expert advice on how to care for the trees in your garden or property.