Winter Pruning: Which Plants and Trees Should You Tackle Now? 19 January 2025 Winter could be the perfect time to give your garden a little TLC. With most plants dormant during the colder months, pruning can encourage healthy growth when Spring arrives. But knowing which to prune—and how to do it—can make all the difference. Why Prune in Winter? Pruning during winter can offer several advantages: Plants are dormant: With no active growth, pruning can reduce the stress put on the plant. Clearer structure: With trees and shrubs having now shed their leaves, it’s easier to see their framework and identify dead or crossing branches. Encourages growth: Pruning at the right time stimulates new growth come spring. What to Prune in Winter Not all plants benefit from winter pruning. Fruit Trees Winter is the ideal time to prune apple and pear trees. Removing dead or damaged branches encourages better air circulation and light penetration, which can improve fruit quality. How to prune: Focus on creating an open, goblet-shaped structure by removing inward-growing or overlapping branches. What to avoid: Don’t prune stone fruit trees (like cherries and plums) in winter, as they are susceptible to silver leaf disease. Wait until summer. Deciduous Trees and Shrubs Winter is great for shaping and maintaining deciduous trees and shrubs. Look for branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged, as well as those that cross or rub against each other. How to prune: Use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction. Roses Hardy roses, like hybrid teas and floribundas, benefit from a good winter prune. This encourages strong growth and abundant blooms in the summer. How to prune: Cut back stems to around a third of their height, removing any dead or diseased wood. Make angled cuts just above outward-facing buds. Wisteria Winter is a key time to prune wisteria to keep it under control and encourage flowers. How to prune: Cut back summer growth to two or three buds from the main framework. This focuses the plant’s energy on flowering rather than excessive foliage. Hedges Evergreen hedges like yew and boxwood can be lightly trimmed in winter to maintain their shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can leave them vulnerable to frost damage. How to prune: Use hedge clippers or shears for a neat finish, removing only what’s necessary to keep the hedge tidy. Clematis Some clematis varieties, particularly those that flower in late summer, should be pruned in winter to prepare them for their blooming period. How to prune: For Group 3 clematis, cut all stems back to around 12 inches from the ground.What to avoid: Don’t prune spring-flowering clematis now, as this will remove the buds. Soft Fruit Bushes Winter pruning is essential for maintaining productive soft fruit bushes like blackcurrants, gooseberries, and raspberries. How to prune: Remove older stems to ground level, leaving younger, more vigorous growth. This encourages better fruiting in the coming season. What Not to Prune in Winter Spring-flowering shrubs: Plants like forsythia, lilac, and rhododendron should be pruned after they flower in spring, as winter pruning will remove their flower buds. Tender plants: Frost-sensitive plants, common in UK gardens, can suffer damage if pruned during cold weather. Wait until late spring when the risk of frost has passed. Evergreens: Heavy pruning of evergreens in winter can expose them to frost damage. Light shaping is fine, but save major work for late spring or early summer. Tips for Winter Pruning Here are some handy tips to make your winter pruning a success: Use the right tools: Invest in quality secateurs, loppers, and pruning saws. Sharp tools make cleaner cuts, which heal faster and reduce the risk of disease.Prune on dry days: Wet weather increases the chance of spreading disease. Choose a dry, frost-free day for your pruning tasks.Disinfect your tools: Clean your tools between plants to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. Don’t overdo it: It can be tempting to prune heavily, but less is often more. Focus on removing problem branches and making subtle adjustments to shape. Conclusion Winter pruning is an essential task for maintaining a healthy, productive garden. By focusing on the right plants and using the correct techniques, you’ll set the stage for a beautiful, bountiful growing season. Whether you’re tackling fruit trees, roses, or hedges, winter pruning gives your garden the boost it needs to thrive. So bundle up, grab your tools, and get pruning—your garden will thank you come spring!