After a shaky start it would appear that spring is now well under way and the trees are doing their thing. Bud scales are bursting open to reveal the fresh new flowers and leaves. It is possible that some of these trees will lose many of their leaves to late frosts. Luckily they are well equipped to cope and will regenerate lost growth with a second flushing (llamas growth). However as the sap is rising, the conductive tissue immediately under the bark will have softened. This makes trees highly susceptible to damage at this time of year. Therefore any pruning works should be left at least until the leaves on the trees have flushed and fully hardened.