Jump to content

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0

Best time to prune Oak.


jamesfwpurdy
 Share

Question

Hi everyone, just a quick question about when to prune branches on Large Oak trees.

 

I had decided to do it when I coppiced our hornbeam thinking it was a similar idea, when the sap is down etc. My father (owner of the trees so best keep him happy) read somewhere that its best to take the branches off when they are activly growing.

 

I am now confused about when to do it as I don't want to damage the tree by doing it incorrectly.

 

Any advice would be great thankyou.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Answers 23
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters For This Question

Recommended Posts

  • 0
Hi everyone, just a quick question about when to prune branches on Large Oak trees.

 

I had decided to do it when I coppiced our hornbeam thinking it was a similar idea, when the sap is down etc. My father (owner of the trees so best keep him happy) read somewhere that its best to take the branches off when they are activly growing.

 

I am now confused about when to do it as I don't want to damage the tree by doing it incorrectly.

 

Any advice would be great thankyou.

 

Hi James,

 

In general, it's better to avoid pruning, certainly heavily, during periods of leaf-fall, i.e. around now, and leaf formation, i.e. early Spring.

 

Therefore when dormant, avoiding prolonged frost periods, or when actively growing, avoiding prolonged drought periods.

 

And rememeber, ideally, if you do want to 'heavly prune' a phased approach, a little but often, is better for the tree.

 

Regards..

Paul

 

PS As a point of refernce the industry standard for tree works is BS3998 (2010) 'Recommendations for Tree Work'

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Log in or register to remove this advert

  • 0

Altohugh if we prune when the tree is active (full leaf) it may help to seal up any of the initial cells around the cambial zone, especially if you look at the principles of pruning prunus relating to timing.

 

Before you jump on it, "initial" not the complete wound!!!! being blase

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

i would agree that a prune in the growing season is a better alternative, as pruning now and in the winter months leaves the tree with a wound that it is not actively able to protect and begin to compartmentalise. The summer pruning, although it may induce some bleeding, which is just rising sap, IMO is a much better choice as the tree can begin to deal with the wound ASAP and it can 'seal off' the area from pathogens that would take advantage of the dormant tree to break through compartment barriers to decay the tree.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

It is certainly the view that Shigo expresses. I know it is "de rigeur" to find fault with Shigo's work, if you go back to inspect the wounds created during the winter dormancy, you will often see that the wound occlusion has failed to initiate at the lowest point on the stem ( @ 6 o'clock position) !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


  •  

  • Featured Adverts

About

Arbtalk.co.uk is a hub for the arboriculture industry in the UK.  
If you're just starting out and you need business, equipment, tech or training support you're in the right place.  If you've done it, made it, got a van load of oily t-shirts and have decided to give something back by sharing your knowledge or wisdom,  then you're welcome too.
If you would like to contribute to making this industry more effective and safe then welcome.
Just like a living tree, it'll always be a work in progress.
Please have a look around, sign up, share and contribute the best you have.

See you inside.

The Arbtalk Team

Follow us

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.