The Royal Horticultural Society has shared three important jobs that gardeners should be doing in December to avoid a ‘mess’ come the spring
It is best to prune your fruit trees in December(Image: Getty)
Gardeners have been urged to tackle three crucial tasks this December. Whilst the festive period approaches and chilly weather sweeps across Britain, outdoor spaces might be falling down people’s priority lists.
Yet, there remain several essential jobs to complete in your garden during the year’s closing month. The Royal Horticultural Society has outlined three tasks that need attention to avoid facing a chaotic mess when spring arrives.
They said: “Now’s the time to prune apples, pears, quinces and medlars.” For those cultivating fruit in their gardens, December presents the ideal moment to ensure proper pruning.
This involves cutting back branches, buds or roots to enhance the plant’s wellbeing, structure or productivity.
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There are three important garden jobs to get done this December(Image: Getty)
Dead or diseased fruits should also be cleared away, along with any lifeless wood. The RHS said: “Prune apples, pears, quinces and medlars.”
“Prune autumn raspberries. Prune red and white currants and gooseberries.” During pruning, ensure you’re working with sharp and sterilised equipment, reports the Express.
This helps avoid crushing stems and reduces the likelihood of spreading infections. It’s advisable to clear dead branches initially, allowing you to assess what remains.
Removing lifeless branches enables the plant to recover and offers opportunities for fresh growth. Thinning out plants can also enhance circulation and sunlight penetration.
Start by removing any crossing branches where they’re congested. This is your opportunity to shape the plant however you fancy, so feel free to change its direction or even get a bit creative.
If there are some branches that appear weak, it’s advised to remove those as well. In December, the plants will be dormant making it easier to see which branches are thriving and which aren’t.
The plant can recover quickly, but it’s always best to check the specific pruning requirements for each plant. Avoid over-pruning as this can cause stress for the plant.
It’s suggested not to remove more than 20% of the tree’s canopy in a single year. This can also help prevent excessive regrowth.
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