When is the best time to trim a bent out of shape Gum tree?

My husband used to raise trees and he said you have to do it while the sap is down. His recommendation is by end of February but you might still be okay depending on your area and winter you’re having.

Here's a post that might help - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/straighten-tree.htm

This may be helpful https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/how-to-prune-a-eucalyptus-tree.html

There are a few different pruning methods for gum trees depending on the species and the age of the tree. For an aesthetically pleasing looking gum tree, opt for specimen pruning - this requires pruning only the top branches (those above 6ft) allowing the low hanging branches to fall off naturally. Pruning is best carried out in late winter to early spring (February to March), just before plants are actively in growth.

I would call a professional in your area and ask to get some ideas of when is best to do it and what would be involved.

Hi Johnvallance, hope this link helps you out, the best time to do this is in the summer, NOT the spring or fall as with other trees and plants.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-pruning.htm

Get a professional in your area to look at it and give you a free estimate. Have you pruned your gum tree and kept up on it's routine maintenance?

Here's a flowering gum tree reference is this is what you have:

https://gardendrum.com/2015/02/24/how-to-prune-a-flowering-gum/

So pretty. Best to you.

An arborist would be your best bet to get it in shape. Then maintain the shape.

Hi John. I'm Cindy. I did quite a bit of reading about Gum trees. Here's what I learned: The best time to prune your Gum is in summer. These trees can grow rapidly and become over sized and hard to work with if not treated. Regular maintenance is very much recommended. Summer is the best time to prune but not during high humidity. I hope this helps you. Good luck with your Gum.

When pruning anything, think about the Rule Of Thirds. As in don’t cut off anymore than 1/3 the length of the branch.

Then look at the “laterals”, where the branches fork-off. This should be a natural cutting place for removing an entire “fork” or branch, being careful to not “collar” the “keeper” branch (cut too close).

Thinning is another pruning methods to keep the branches from growing into a tangled mess, inside the crown.

I would suggest cutting the tree now, even though it’s March & then again in the summer and then annually, if it’s been neglected or you want to really scale it down.

We had 60 year old, huge ficus trees that required cutting back every two years and it was pricey to ignore them for four years or more.

Here are some direction on how to prune the gum tree. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-sweetgum-trees-20982.html

Many thanks to all of the helpers that answered my plea regarding my Gum tree. It is only about 4yrs old but has bent over badly due to constant high winds (coastal area). I now have enough information and courage to sort it out and still leave it looking good. Thanks again to everyone...................