English Oak in February: monthly care

English oak requires very little pruning once established, but formative work in the early years helps develop a strong framework. Prune only during the dormant season—November through February—to minimise sap bleeding and reduce the risk of oak wilt and other infections that enter through fresh wounds. Never prune in spring or summer when the tree is actively growing. For young trees, focus on establishing a clear central leader and removing any competing upright shoots. Take out dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin any clusters of shoots that crowd the main scaffold branches. Use sharp bypass secateurs for stems up to 2 cm diameter and a pruning saw for anything larger. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the slight swelling where the branch meets the trunk); don't leave stubs or cut flush into the collar itself. Mature oaks need minimal intervention. Remove any dead or diseased wood as you notice it during the dormant months, and take out low branches only if they obstruct access or pose a safety risk. Avoid heavy pruning or crown reduction unless absolutely necessary—oak compartmentalises decay slowly, and large wounds can lead to long-term structural problems. If major work is required (removing limbs over 10 cm diameter or work near power lines), consult a qualified tree surgeon. Resist the temptation to "tidy" the canopy; oak's irregular, spreading crown is part of its character, and over-pruning stresses the tree and invites disease.