As the leaves fall and the garden enters its quiet season, November becomes one of the most important—and often overlooked—months for proper tree care. Whether you have mature oaks, ornamental trees, or fast-growing Leylandii, this is the time of year when pruning can make the biggest difference to health, safety, and appearance.
At Original Tree Services, we spend much of November helping customers prepare their trees for winter, prevent storm damage, and encourage strong new growth for spring. Here’s why November is the ideal month for pruning—and what you should be looking out for in your garden.
1. Trees Are Dormant, Meaning Less Stress
From late October onwards, most UK tree species enter dormancy. This slows sap flow, reduces the risk of sap bleeding, and helps trees heal more easily after pruning.
Dormant-season pruning is especially beneficial for:
- Fruit trees
- Birch
- Maple
- Willow
- Beech
With sap flow reduced, cuts seal faster and with fewer complications.
2. Better Visibility for Safer, Cleaner Cuts
Once leaves have dropped, your tree’s structure becomes far easier to assess. In November, arborists can see:
- Dead or diseased wood
- Rubbing or crossing branches
- Weak unions
- Hazard limbs near buildings
This allows for precise, clean pruning that improves the tree’s structural integrity.
3. Reduces Risk of Winter Storm Damage
November pruning is one of the simplest ways to protect your property before winter storms hit. By removing:
- Dead branches
- Overloaded limbs
- Weak or cracked sections
…you significantly reduce the chance of breakages during heavy winds. In Bedfordshire, we see storm-related tree failures every year—many of them avoidable.
4. Lower Risk of Insect or Disease Spread
Cold temperatures reduce the presence of pests and pathogens. Pruning in November minimises the chance of diseases such as:
- Oak wilt
- Fire blight
- Dutch elm disease
- Honey fungus
With fewer active insects and spores, wounds are less likely to become infected.
5. Encourages Strong Spring Growth
By pruning now, you’re setting your trees up for a healthier, fuller spring. November pruning helps:
- Increase light penetration
- Improve airflow
- Shape new growth
- Boost flowering and fruiting
This leads to better-looking trees and healthier long-term development.
6. It’s the Perfect Time to Check Tree Safety
November is also ideal for a full tree safety check, especially if you’re concerned about:
- Trees overhanging your neighbour’s property
- Branches close to roofs, sheds, or driveways
- Trees near public footpaths
- Signs of decay or root problems
If you’re unsure, a free inspection from a qualified arborist can give you peace of mind.
7. Great for Hedge Reductions and Shaping
Many hedges—especially Leylandii, privet, and beech—respond extremely well to November shaping and reductions. This sets them up neatly for winter and helps maintain a tidy garden without risking damage during frosts.
Need Pruning Done in November? We Can Help.
At Original Tree Services, we offer:
- Expert tree pruning
- Crown reductions
- Dead wood removal
- Hedge cutting and shaping
- Emergency storm call-outs
- Free quotes
- 24/7 phone answering — no voicemail
We cover Bedford, St Neots, Sandy, Leighton Buzzard, Rushden, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call anytime for a free quote
🌳 Original Tree Services – Professional, reliable, and local.
