Squirrels + birds nest in my trees (conifers). To save them from harm when is the best time to cut back trees?

Answer 1

Are your conifers growing that fast and do they really need cutting back? For the birds, the best time to cut would be in the autumn. For the squirrels the best time to cut would be in the early spring - and for the trees, the best time to cut would be in the middle of spring or the middle of the autumn.
If you have a number of conifers it might be helpful to do one at a time. That way at least the creatures living in them can prepare to move next door! Please, never ever cut them in the late spring/early summer - that is when the babies are born/hatched - and they will die.

Answer 2

Frankly, I don't see the problem. What harm are the critters doing to your trees? By "cutting them back" I assume you mean pruning or shaping them, and I don't see how that would affect whether birds or squirrels inhabit them or not.

Anyway, conifers can be shaped any time except when they are actively putting on new growth (June, in Maine where I live).

Answer 3

Conifers should be cut back in the autumn but can be trimmed all the year round.

It depends on the conifer. Some will not grow back and may die if cut back too hard, others will sprout again.

Answer 4

Late Autumn is the best time, but you might have a squirrels dray (home or nest) in your trees, but there won't be any young in it at that time of year, if you do disturb it, don't worry, they'll soon build another were it's nice and quiet !!!

Answer 5

Autumn before the frosts arrive

Answer 6

in the Autumn.
after the babies have left the nests.

Answer 7

call an animal safety hotline

Answer 8

late fall

Answer 9

Preferably when their not home.