Pruning Your Garden in Autumn and Winter

Project Overview

Autumn and winter are useful pruning windows for many dormant plants, but not every shrub or tree should be cut at the same time. The aim is to remove dead, damaged and crossing growth without stripping plants that flower on old wood.

Safety Note

Use sharp, clean tools and wear gloves and eye protection. Do not work above comfortable reach, use ladders on unstable ground, or cut large branches that could fall unpredictably. Trees, protected species and work near overhead cables need qualified help.

Pruning Order

1. Check what the plant is and when it flowers.
2. Remove dead, diseased or damaged stems first.
3. Cut crossing stems that rub and create wounds.
4. Thin crowded growth gradually rather than hard-cutting everything.
5. Clean tools between diseased plants.
6. Collect cuttings and compost only healthy material.

Common Mistakes

Hard pruning at the wrong time, blunt tools, ragged cuts and removing too much in one session can all weaken plants.

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