Call: 07921 451 551
Email: ben@charringtontrees.co.uk
Tree guide
every tree is different - use our guide to see when you should do work on yours.
There are are about 35 native tree species in the UK, over centuries dozens more have been introduced. There are now nearly 180 well established species, each one has its own unique needs and quirks. This guide covers the main types of trees in the UK and how they should be cared for.
Pruning is essential for tree health, structure, and aesthetics. Different species have varying tolerance to pruning—some handle heavy cuts well, while others require a lighter touch. The best time to prune depends on the species. If you have tree that is not in our guide or you have trees that need a prune, just give us a call and we can help.
Meet The Trees
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birch
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Summer or midwinter
notes: Prone to bleeding
eucalyptus
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Late spring to summer
lime
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Late spring to summer
mulberry
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Midwinter
cherry
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Summer
notes: Prone to fungal infection avoid autumn pruning.
hornbeam
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Late spring to summer
magnolia
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Mid summer after flowering.
Notes: prone to bleeding
oak
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Late spring to summer
Fact - oak trees have existed for 45 million years
elm
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Late spring to summer
Fact: Dutch Elm disease has decimated UK elms
horse chestnut
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Late spring to summer
notes: regrowth is weak.
maples/sycamore
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Summer or midwinter
plane
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Late spring to summer
Fact - Plane trees trap pollution in their bark
poplar
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Mid winter
Notes: prone to bleeding
walnut
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Summer or mid winter
Notes: prone to bleeding
evergreen trees
Sometimes referred to as softwoods or conifers
firs
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Late summer or midwinter
Notes: no new growth from old wood. Prune lightly
robinia
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Summer
Notes: prone to bleeding
whitebeam
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Late spring to summer
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cedar
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Winter
Notes: no new growth from old wood. Prune lightly
hemlock
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Late summer or midwinter
Fact - Vitamin C rich tea can me made from the needles.​
rowan
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Late spring to summer
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willow
Tolerance to pruning - Good
When to prune - Late spring to summer
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Cypresses
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Spring to early summer
Notes: no new growth from old wood.​
holly
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Winter (mid to late)
Fact - hedgehogs like hibernating under holly
holm oak
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Midwinter
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pines
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Late spring
Notes: Only prune new growth during spring​
Spruce
Tolerance to pruning - Poor
When to prune - Late summer or late winter
​​Notes: no new growth from old wood. Prune lightly
western red cedar
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Mid or late winter​
Fact - can grown up to 65 meters tall
Yew
Tolerance to pruning - Fair
When to prune - Late summer or late winter​
Fact - The oldest Yew tree in the UK is estimated to be 5,000 years old
unsure what to do? Then call us
We are always happy to come and visit so book us in for a site visit or a video call.
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07921 451 551