When to prune trees

[redskytonights]

We have a few trees in the garden that are overgrown, very woody, growing too densely or a combination of all of these. They need some fairly severe pruning and cutting back which I think we'll have to get an arborist in to do?

When would you say is the best time of year to prune trees? Can't decide whether to try to get it done now, or wait until spring.

If you're planning to get a professional on to do it, I'd talk to them about what types of trees you have & they should know when is the best time to do it.

Are they deciduous / fruit trees / evergreen / coniferous / wildly overgrown shrubs?

The best time to prune can vary considerably, so find out what they are and then search the specific tree on the RHS website which will give details about pruning.

No idea what sort of trees they are - though guessing they are deciduous as starting to drop leaves.
Thanks for suggestions to find out what they are, and also that a specialist could advise.

Things are a lot easier to identify when they are in full leaf and/or in flower.

late to this thread but this is a highly rated app 🌳

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-id-app/

Once you’ve identified them

https://arborlifetreesurgeons.co.uk/news/2019/07/when-best-time-year-year-prune-trees/

As a start

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/how-to-identify-trees-in-winter

https://ptes.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Fruit-tree-identification-portrait-low-res.pdf

Rule 1 - not in nesting season (March to August).

Rule 2 - depends on the tree.