Pruning Leylandii trees - when in September, or when is best, to avoid disturbing birds and bats?

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Pink678, Sunday at 10:51 AM.

  1. Pink678

    Pink678 Gardener

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    I have a row of Leylandii trees that were inherited with the garden. They are well established trees.
    I want to get them trimmed all the way round and the height reduced a bit.
    It says online to not trim April - September to avoid disturbing bird nests.
    I haven't seen birds flying in and out, but they could nest in there. I do wonder if bats nest in there, as I see them flying around at dusk.
    I have to get someone to help with doing this and will need to book them in advance. I was wondering when is the best time to do the pruning for not disturbing birds and bats - is the start of September OK, or should I wait until the end of September, or when would be the best time?
    Thanks very much!
     
    Last edited: Sunday at 11:10 AM
  2. AuntyRach

    AuntyRach Total Gardener

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    Birds seem to love the conifer types for nesting or cover so I would certainly leave alone now. We do ours in Winter usually so leave as late as reasonable in September or after.
     
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    • Pink678

      Pink678 Gardener

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      Thanks ever so much, I might leave them until early October then.
       
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      • noisette47

        noisette47 Total Gardener

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        I'm pretty certain that bats roost in eaves, attics, cellars etc but never heard of them using Leylandii.
         
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        • Pink678

          Pink678 Gardener

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          Thank you noisette47! There is a shed with eaves by the trees, or maybe they roost somewhere else altogether, in other eaves, attics, cellars. I hope they are protected wherever they are. The leylandii are mature with old wood and a hollowed inside with lots of crossing branches and crevices, so it is possible they could roost there. Apparently there are 3 broad roost types - built structures, underground sites, and trees.
          I just found a site online with a leaflet with advice on tree maintenance and bats, I'll put the links below in case anyone comes across this thread for advice.
          Roosts in trees - Bat roosts - Bat Conservation Trust
          https://cdn.bats.org.uk/uploads/pdf/Bats-Trees.pdf?v=1541085197
          It looks like early October could be a good time for my pruning.
           
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