When done correctly and at the correct times of year, pruning helps to promote healthier and more productive growth.
It aims to remove dead, diseased and damaged parts of a shrub or tree, also helping to maintain the size of it.
Experts at Henchman have compiled a guide to cutting back plants this winter.
The experts explained: “For most deciduous trees and shrubs, winter is a season of dormancy, making it the ideal time to tackle pruning them.
“Carrying out this task during the winter season minimises the amount of stress the tree or shrub is put under and allows it to redirect its energy toward healing and new growth without the demands of producing foliage.
“With the leaves gone, the structure of the tree and shrub are more visible, making it easier to identify the correct branches for removal.”
The experts explained: “For most deciduous trees and shrubs, winter is a season of dormancy, making it the ideal time to tackle pruning them.
“Carrying out this task during the winter season minimises the amount of stress the tree or shrub is put under and allows it to redirect its energy toward healing and new growth without the demands of producing foliage.
“With the leaves gone, the structure of the tree and shrub are more visible, making it easier to identify the correct branches for removal.”
According to the pros, fruit trees can become too tall and wild if left unpruned for a long period of time.
Pruning them annually helps to manage their size, making it easier to harvest fruit as well as care for the tree.
The experts said: “By selectively removing branches, you stimulate the growth of new, fruit-bearing branches and buds, leading to a more abundant harvest next season.
“However, there are several common mistakes that must be avoided. Pruning at the wrong time, skipping pruning for a year, or being too vigorous can all cause harm to your plants.
“Timing is crucial – doing so at the wrong time of the year can have harmful effects on your fruit tree. To minimise stress and reduce the risk of disease transmission, it’s best to prune during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring.
“Trimming your fruit tree during summer or autumn can stimulate new growth that doesn’t have time to harden before winter, making the tree more susceptible to frost and cold weather, which can weaken the tree in the long run.”
Keeping rose bushes well-maintained is essential in winter when encouraging “healthy regrowth and vibrant blooms”.
Pruning them in the winter during their dormant period offers several benefits, according to the experts.
They explained: “Firstly, it allows the removal of dead, diseased or damaged branches that may be harming the bush’s overall health and helps shape the plant encouraging proper air circulation and sunlight penetration. This can help prevent fungal diseases and the spread of unwanted pests.”
