Basics of Tree Pruning 101

A Glasgow Homeowner’s Guide to Healthy Cuts

As the lighter nights set in and the sun starts to make an appearance in Spring, you may be bursting to get your garden into shape. This may involve tree pruning services. There are many reasons to prune trees including the removal of dead or dangerous branches, to let more light into your garden or property, to reduce the risk of windblown branches and to generally improve the overall appearance or balance of the tree.

Benson's Tree Surgery Glasgow, Basics of Tree pruning, Tree management, advice

🌳 Why Prune? The 4 Golden Rules

  1. Safety First: Remove dead/dangerous limbs immediately (any season).

  2. Health Boost: Stop disease spread → prune before symptoms worsen. 

  3. Light & Air: Thin dense crowns to reduce wind resistance. Lifting dark overhanging trees.

  4. Beauty Hack: Shape for symmetry without over-thinning.

📅 Glasgow’s Tree Pruning Calendar

Season Best For Avoid
Winter Oaks, Elms (dormant) Spring-bloomers (e.g., cherry)
Early Spring Fruit trees, Lilacs Sap-heavy trees (maple, birch)
Late Summer Maples, Walnuts Nesting birds (Mar-Aug)

⚠️ Disease Alert: Never prune oak/elm/sycamore in spring!

🛑 Pruning Don’ts: The “7 Deadly Sins”

Getting shape, light and air into your garden is all well and good, but there are a few major don’ts when it comes to the basics of ree pruning.

  1. Topping → Creates weak, hazardous regrowth (see before/after below)

  2. Flush cuts → Removes the tree’s natural defense zone

  3. Spring pruning oaks → Invites Oak Wilt (often fatal)

  4. Over-pruning → Removes >15% of canopy (stresses tree)

  5. Dirty tools → Spreads disease (sterilize between cuts!)

  6. Ignoring nests → Illegal under UK wildlife law

  7. DIY large limbs → Risk of property/personal injury

📸 Before & After: Professional vs. DIY

DIY “Topping” → Stubby branches, dense weak growth after 1 year.
Pro Crown Thin → Even light penetration, natural shape preserved.

💡 Pro Tip: Always cut just outside the branch collar (the swollen “neck” where branches meet)

Basics of Tree Pruning

🌿 When to Call Us (Benson's Tree Surgery)

✔ You spot fungus, cracks, or epicormic growth (stress signs). Perhaps understanding ash dieback needs explanation too
✔ Branches overhang roofs/power lines.
✔ You’re unsure about species/timing or need advice on the basics of tree pruning (e.g., maple vs. cherry).

📞 Free Consult: Send us a photo – we’ll take a look and offer advise.