January – Summer Stress Management

Rotorua's midsummer is hot and often dry, so trees may need support:

• Avoid heavy pruning, but remove deadwood or hazards if needed
• Apply mulch generously to retain moisture and protect roots
• Thoroughly water newly planted trees in the early morning
• Trim hedges lightly for shape and airflow

Plan now for major work in the autumn or winter months while monitoring tree health through summer.

February – Late Summer Maintenance

Rotorua's late summer is a good time to assess and tidy:

• Spot trim hedges to maintain shape
• Inspect trees for signs of sun stress, dieback, or pests
• Lightly prune ornamental species to remove soft, excessive growth
• Book early for upcoming winter tree work, availability fills quickly

Now is also a good time to plan tree removals or reshaping before autumn returns.

March – Transition into Autumn

As Rotorua cools slightly, trees start shifting into dormancy:

• Remove unbalanced limbs
• Tidy and reduce hedges to prepare for slower growth
• Thin overgrown branches for light and airflow
• Start planning any major removals or pruning ahead of winter

Perfect month for formative and light corrective work while temperatures are still moderate.

April – Autumn Clean Up

Leaves start to fall and daylight fades — now is ideal for:

• Pruning deciduous trees lightly before dormancy
• Removing leaf litter from around tree bases and gutters
• Reducing hedge heights to maximise winter sun access
• Mulching gardens and tree zones for winter soil protection

Also a smart time to schedule winter pruning, removals, or storm prep.

May – Winter Readiness Begins

May in Rotorua is cool, damp, and a lead up to winter storms:

• Start pruning dormant trees (fruit, ornamental deciduous)
• Remove weak, leaning, or hazardous trees before conditions worsen
• Trim evergreen hedges before they stop growing
• Chip and mulch clippings for use or removal

Ask us about crown lifting, structural shaping, or pre winter inspections.

June – Rotorua’s Stormiest Month

June brings wind, rain, and heavy ground saturation — it is the peak of storm risk:

• Crown lift or thin trees to reduce wind load
• Remove damaged, dead, or dangerous limbs
• Check trees near homes, fences, and driveways
• Mulch around roots to stabilise and protect the soil

Winter is the best time for heavy pruning and full tree removals, especially when trees are dormant.

July – Dormant Season Tree Work

Rotorua is deep into winter. This is ideal for major arborist work:

• Prune deciduous fruit trees like apple, pear, and plum
• Remove unwanted trees while foliage is minimal and access is clearer
• Shape large trees without the interference of leaves
• Hard cut hedges and reduce overgrown screens
• Chip and mulch branches for garden reuse or removal

July is also ideal for storm damage cleanup and preparation for spring.

August – Final Month for Dormant Tree Work

As winter begins to ease in Rotorua, August is your last reliable window for major pruning before spring growth begins:

• Finish pruning fruit trees and deciduous ornamentals
• Remove any storm damaged limbs from wet, windy months
• Shape evergreen hedges before the spring flush
• Remove declining or problematic trees while access is still manageable

Now is the time to book early spring maintenance or hedge trimming before the September rush.

September – Early Spring Growth Begins

Rotorua enters early spring, and growth starts to return across gardens and trees:

• Lightly prune flowering shrubs like camellia and viburnum once blooms fade
• Trim evergreen hedges to encourage tidy, even regrowth
• Remove suckers and epicormic shoots from trees
• Apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed competition

This is a good month for formative shaping and assessing trees for structural work later in the season.

October – Spring Maintenance in Full Swing

With Rotorua in full spring mode, growth is rapid and ongoing:

• Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs after blooming finishes
• Trim hedges and shape fast growing species like privet and pittosporum
• Crown lift low branches over driveways, paths, and roofs
  

Ideal time for tree shaping, formative pruning, and keeping hedges under control.

November – Early Summer Tidy Up

Rotorua’s early summer brings lush growth and the need for tidy up work:

• Hedge trimming to keep shape before the holidays
• Light prune young or fast growing trees for balance and direction
• Mulch exposed soil to hold moisture and block weeds
• Stake and support newly planted trees in windy areas

Book early for hedge and tree shaping before the December rush.

December – Pre Holiday Garden Clean Up

With warm, dry Rotorua weather and holiday gatherings coming up:

• Trim boundary hedges, entrance trees, and driveway clearances
• Remove hanging branches over buildings or walkways
• Lightly prune natives like manuka or kōwhai if needed
• Mulch garden beds and tree bases to combat summer dryness

Avoid heavy pruning in summer — focus on shaping and tidy ups.