The leaves are beginning to change colour and the air is getting a bit nippy – we’re heading into autumn. It’s a beautiful time of year, but it also means that there’s plenty of work to be done in our gardens.
One crucial task that many gardeners overlook during this season is pruning. While it might seem counterintuitive to cut back your plants just as they’re winding down for the winter, proper autumn pruning can ensure healthy growth come springtime. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get stuck into some autumn pruning essentials!
Firstly, why prune in autumn? Well, as the days shorten and temperatures drop, most plants enter a period of dormancy. This means they’re not actively growing – making it the perfect time to prune without causing undue stress or encouraging new growth that could be damaged by frost.
Now onto the how-to part.
Identify What Needs Pruning
Not all plants benefit from an autumn trim, so it’s important to know which ones do. Deciduous trees and shrubs generally respond well to being pruned in late summer or early autumn. These include fruit trees like apple and pear, as well as shrubs such as roses and hydrangeas.
Evergreens, on the other hand, are best pruned in late spring or early summer when they’re actively growing. So leave your holly bushes and yew trees alone for now!
Use Sharp Tools
A clean cut heals faster and is less likely to become infected with disease. Always use sharp secateurs for small branches and loppers for larger ones. If you’re tackling a big job like a tree or large shrub, you might need a pruning saw.
Know Where To Cut
When pruning branches on trees or shrubs, always cut just above a bud that’s facing outwards from the centre of the plant. This encourages growth away from the middle of the plant next spring, preventing overcrowding.
Remove Dead Or Diseased Wood First
Any branches that are dead or diseased should be removed first to prevent further spread of disease. Look out for wood that’s discoloured or covered in fungus – these are sure signs that it needs to go.
Don’t Overdo It
As much as we love wielding our secateurs here at Formby Gardener (it does make us feel very professional), remember not to get too carried away. A good rule of thumb is never to remove more than one-third of a plant’s overall mass at once.
Now you may ask – what about perennials? Most perennials benefit from being cut back in late autumn after they’ve finished flowering and their foliage has died back naturally. This helps keep them tidy over winter and makes room for new growth next year.
And let’s not forget about our lovely roses! Late-autumn (around November) is typically rose-pruning season here in the UK. Cut back hybrid tea roses by about half their height to prevent wind rock (movement caused by strong winds), which can loosen roots.
Remember; every snip we make now will lead us toward healthier blooms come springtime! But if all this seems like too much hard work – don’t worry! Here at Formby Gardener we’re always ready with our trusty secateurs (and other tools). Just give us a call!
