Pruning Guide: When and How to Prune Trees & Shrubs in Ireland
Pruning is one of the most important maintenance jobs for keeping trees, hedges and shrubs healthy, safe and looking their best. Done correctly, pruning improves plant structure, encourages new growth and flowering, and helps prevent disease. Done incorrectly — or at the wrong time of year — it can weaken plants and reduce flowering.
At mower.ie, we supply professional-grade pruning tools and garden machinery to suit every type of pruning job, from light hedge trimming to heavy branch removal. This guide explains when to prune, what to prune, and which tools to use for the best results
When Is the Best Time to Prune in Ireland?
Ireland’s mild climate allows for pruning across most of the year, but timing depends on the type of plant.
*While light garden maintenance may be carried out during summer, Irish wildlife legislation restricts hedge cutting during the nesting season from 1 March to 31 August. This protects nesting birds and wildlife. Always inspect hedges carefully and ensure any work complies with current regulations.
Winter Pruning (November – February)
This is the ideal time for most trees and shrubs while they are dormant.
Best for:
- Apple and pear trees
- Beech, ash, oak and sycamore
- Roses (hard pruning in late winter)
- Deciduous hedges
- Large structural pruning
Benefits:
- Clear view of branch structure
- Less sap loss
- Strong spring regrowth
- Reduced disease risk
Recommended tools from mower.ie:
- Pruning saws for controlled cutting
- Chainsaws for heavier branches
- Secateurs and loppers for clean cuts
- Pole saws for safe overhead pruning
Spring Pruning (March – May)
Spring pruning focuses on light shaping and removing winter damage.
Best for:
- Evergreen hedges
- Shrubs damaged by frost
- Dead or diseased branches
- Fast-growing hedges
Avoid heavy pruning once plants start actively growing.
Ideal equipment:
Summer Pruning (June – August)
Summer pruning is mainly for maintenance and control.
Best for:
- Formal hedges
- Fast-growing shrubs
- Fruit trees (light trimming only)
- Removing water shoots and excessive growth
Benefits:
- Keeps gardens tidy
- Improves airflow and sunlight
- Encourages fruit ripening
Popular mower.ie tools:
- Cordless hedge trimmers for quiet operation
- Compact chainsaws
- Pole saws for tall hedges
Autumn Pruning (September – October)
Autumn pruning should be limited.
Safe jobs include:
- Removing dead wood
- Tidying hedges
- Cutting back perennials
Avoid heavy pruning before winter frost arrives.
Essential Pruning Tools You Should Use
Using the correct equipment makes pruning safer, faster and better for plant health.
Secateurs and Loppers
Best for:
- Small branches
- Roses
- Shrubs
- Flowering plants
Choose bypass secateurs for clean cuts that heal faster. Explore professional pruning tools suitable for domestic and commercial use.
Pruning Saws
Best for:
- Thick branches
- Tree maintenance
- Precise cuts close to trunks
Curved blade hand pruning saws are ideal for controlled cutting and faster wood removal.
Chainsaws
Best for:
- Heavy pruning
- Storm damage cleanup
- Branch removal
- Tree dismantling
mower.ie offers petrol and cordless chainsaws suitable for both homeowners and professionals.
Hedge Trimmers
Best for:
- Formal hedges
- Evergreen shrubs
- Boundary hedging
Cordless hedge trimmers are increasingly popular due to low noise, low maintenance and zero emissions.
Safety Equipment (Highly Recommended)
Always protect yourself when pruning:
- Chainsaw gloves
- Safety glasses
- Ear protection
- Helmets
- Cut-resistant trousers
Browse personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe on every job.
Pruning Tips for Best Results
- Always cut just above a healthy bud
- Remove dead or diseased wood first
- Avoid tearing bark when cutting large branches
- Keep tools clean and sharp
- Do not over-prune — remove no more than 25–30% at one time
Why Proper Pruning Matters
Correct pruning helps:
- Improve flowering and fruit production
- Reduce disease spread
- Prevent weak branch structure
- Improve garden appearance
- Extend the life of trees and shrubs
It also improves safety by removing dangerous overhanging or damaged branches.
Find Professional Pruning Equipment at mower.ie
Whether you’re trimming hedges, pruning fruit trees or maintaining large gardens, mower.ie supplies high-quality pruning equipment trusted by Irish homeowners and professionals.
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