Best time of year to prune trees in NSW

You can prune lightly at almost any time, but timing the bigger jobs well gives your trees the best chance to recover and grow back strong. In the Hills and across NSW, here is the general guide.

Late winter to early spring

For most trees, the dormant period in late winter into early spring is ideal for structural pruning. The tree is not in active growth, the structure is easy to see without leaves, and it recovers quickly as the weather warms.

After flowering

Flowering trees and shrubs are usually best pruned just after they finish flowering, so you do not cut off the coming season's buds.

Avoid heavy pruning in extreme heat

Pruning hard in the peak of a hot Hills summer can stress a tree and expose previously shaded bark to sunburn. Lighter work is fine, but save the big cuts for cooler months.

Deadwooding and safety any time

Removing dead, damaged or dangerous limbs is not seasonal. If a limb is a hazard, it should come off whenever you notice it, regardless of the time of year.

The exception: native gums

Eucalypts and many natives are fairly forgiving and can be worked across much of the year, though the same heat and stress principles apply. For specific advice on your trees, just ask us.

Ready to book a prune? See our tree pruning and lopping service or get in touch.