Silver Birch needs a haircut

My silver birch, pendula, I think, is becoming very shaggy. I would like to trim it, is now a good time? When I say trim it, I would like to cut about 2 or 3 feet off. The tree is about 25 years old and approx 10 foot high.

 

10 foot high after 25yrs isn't very tall, are you sure its pendula and not tristis youngii /

 

Why do you think it needs pruning....a nd what would you like to acheive?

Spring is not a good time to cut into Birches, now that the sap is rising!

 

Hi Julia,

It is never a good time to prune birches as they react very badly to it. Has bean counter is right though, a 10' tall 25 year old birch sounds far too small. Why does it need a trim? Is it for aesthetics only? If you are intent on trimming it (and will deal with the subsequent consequences) then I'd readily suggest leaving it until the end of the growing season.