# When Is the Best Time of Year for Tree Work in London?

> Bird nesting season, the law on nests, seasonal pricing and the six-week conservation area notice. How to time tree work in North London.

Source: https://northlondontreesurgeons.com/guides/best-time-of-year-for-tree-work/ · Published 2026-09-05 · Updated 2026-09-05 · By North London Tree Surgeons

Timing matters for three reasons: birds, the law and price. Get it right and the job is cheaper, legal and kinder to wildlife.

## Birds come first

The RSPB says "March to September marks the main nesting season and it's crucial that we are careful not to disturb birds during this time." It recommends limiting hedge trimming to the period between 1 September and 28 February. ([RSPB](https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/birds-nests-and-nestboxes))

This is not just advice. "All birds their nests and eggs are protected by law: the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981." (Same source.) Government guidance says you are breaking the law if you "intentionally take, damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it's being used or built". ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences))

Work is not banned in spring and summer. But the firm must check for active nests first and stop if it finds one. Ask how they do this.

## The best window for most jobs

For hedges and most pruning, **September to February** is the safe window. Birds have finished nesting. Deciduous trees are bare, so the structure is easy to see. Many firms are quieter, so prices can be keener.

Some exceptions:

- **Dead, dying or dangerous trees**: do not wait. Councils have a fast route for these. See our [permission guide](/guides/tpo-conservation-area-permission-north-london/).
- **Some species prefer summer pruning**: for example cherries and plums, to reduce disease risk. Ask your tree surgeon.
- **Storm damage**: deal with it when it happens, with a nest check.

## Build in the six-week notice

If your tree is in a conservation area, you must give the council six weeks notice before work. ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas)) If you want the work done in October, file the notice in August. A TPO application can take longer.

## A simple timeline

| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| July to August | Get quotes. Check for TPO or conservation area. File the notice or application. |
| September to November | Prime time for hedges, reductions and removals. |
| December to February | Still good. Ground may be soft; ask about protecting the lawn. |
| March to August | Avoid non-urgent work. If it must happen, insist on a nest check. |

## Frequently asked questions

### When is bird nesting season in the UK?

The RSPB describes March to September as the main nesting season and suggests trimming hedges between 1 September and 28 February.

### Is it illegal to cut a tree in nesting season?

Cutting is not banned, but it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy a nest that is in use or being built. A good firm checks first and stops if it finds one.

### Is tree work cheaper in winter?

Often. Many firms are quieter in winter. Ask for a quote in both seasons if you are not in a hurry.

## Sources

- [RSPB: Birds' nests and nestboxes](https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/birds-nests-and-nestboxes)
- [GOV.UK: Wild birds: protection, surveys and licences](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences)
- [GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas)