Pruning your trees in winter might seem counterintuitive, but it’s one of the best times to do it. Proper winter pruning promotes healthy growth, prevents disease, and improves the overall structure of your trees. In this guide, we’ll explain why winter is ideal for pruning, when exactly to do it, and how to ensure the best results.
As a specialist tree nursery, pruning trees is something we do as a regular part of our seasonal routines. Hear Philip, our founder, explain and demonstrate in this short video, so that you can join us is this simple technique to give your trees the best possible chance of thriving for years to come.
Why Prune Trees in Winter?
Winter is an excellent time for tree pruning because most trees are in their dormant stage. This means they have stopped growing actively, making it easier to shape them without causing unnecessary stress. Here are some key benefits of winter pruning:
- Encourages Healthy Growth – Cutting back branches in winter allows trees to redirect their energy to strong, new growth in spring.
- Prevents Disease and Pests – Many tree diseases and pests are less active in cold weather, reducing the risk of infections entering fresh cuts.
- Better Visibility – Without leaves in the way, it’s easier to see the tree’s structure and identify which branches need removal.
- Less Stress on the Tree – Dormant trees recover faster from pruning compared to pruning done in warmer seasons.
When is the Best Time to Prune in Winter?
The ideal time to prune your trees in winter is between late Autumn and early Spring, before new growth begins. We tend to avoid doing any kind of pruning in March and April as this is when the sap is flowing and working it’s hardest to help the new season’s growth flourish. We also avoid pruning during extremely cold weather, as this can cause frost damage to the tree’s exposed tissue.
How to Prune Trees in Winter: Step-by-Step Guide
Pruning is more than just cutting branches—it’s about strategically shaping the tree for health and longevity. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Gather Your Tools
Before starting, make sure you have the right tools:
- Sharp secateurs for small branches
- Loppers for medium-sized branches
- A pruning saw for larger branches
- Protective gloves and safety glasses
2. Identify Branches to Remove
Look for the following:
- Dead or Diseased Branches – These should be removed immediately to prevent further damage.
- Crossing or Rubbing Branches – Trim these to prevent wounds that invite pests and disease (See Phillip’s first video above to go into more detail on this).
- Weak or Overgrown Growth – Cut back long, thin, or excessive growth to shape the tree.
3. Make Clean Cuts
- Always cut just above a bud or a branch junction.
- Use clean, sharp tools to make smooth cuts that heal quickly.
- Avoid leaving stubs, as these can invite disease.
4. Work Slowly and Step Back
Take your time and step back occasionally to assess your progress and check you’re happy with the shape you’re creating.
5. Dispose of Clippings Properly
- Remove pruned branches from the area to prevent disease spread.
- Compost healthy clippings or use them for mulch if appropriate.
About New Wood Trees
We are an artisan tree nursery specialising in field grown multi-stem trees and shrubs. We grow approximately 13,000 trees in the beautiful rolling fields of South Devon and have over 100 varieties for you to choose from.
All our trees are grown in here for at least five years, during which time they are lovingly hand pruned to create a beautifully sculpted distinctive shape and structure. They are all hugely individual and full of character due to their environment and our care. We warmly encourage you to visit our nursery in person.
To immerse yourself and experience the trees in a way that you simply can’t from websites and photographs. You’ll be able to choose your preferred trees, understand their individual character, and tag them in person. Leaving with peace of mind that you will receive exactly what is needed to suit your design. Visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange your nursery tour.
For more information about our nursery and how we grow our artisan, sculpted, multi-stem trees please head to our about us page.
To learn more about our trees and what stock we currently have available, please head to our stock pages or Contact Us to discuss your specific needs.
If you’d like to learn more about what we mean by ‘Multi-stem trees’? Check out our explainer here.
