Many plants and shrubs are pruned when dormant, which typically occurs during the colder months of the year. Dormant pruning refers to the plant’s resting period, which helps reduce stress when trimming it. It is often more aggressive than maintenance pruning, with larger cuts being made.
According to experts, this creates more “vigorous and healthy growth” in the following spring. Plants which should be pruned this month include fruit bushes, wisteria and climbing roses.
Fruit bushes
According to the experts at Henchman, fruit trees can become too tall and wild if left untouched for a long period.
Annual pruning helps to manage their size, making it easier to harvest fruit and 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.”
Wisteria
Wisteria should be pruned twice a year, in the dormant season from November to February and again in summer after flowering.
Make sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, tie in new growth and cut back the remaining long wispy stems to just two to three buds.
Climbing roses
Climbing roses should be pruned routinely in winter, after the flowers have faded, typically between December and February.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said: “Long whippy shoots can be shortened or tied in during autumn, to prevent strong winds from damaging them.
“Renovation can be carried out at any time between late autumn and late winter.”
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