PRUNING

What can I prune in October?

A simple guide to the plants you can tidy now, what can be reduced for winter, and what is better left alone.

Hedges

October is commonly the last opportunity to give many deciduous hedges a tidy so they go into winter looking presentable. Avoid heavy work if conditions are unsuitable or there is active wildlife using the hedge.

Climbing and rambling roses

These can be pruned and trained now. Remove dead or damaged growth first, then deal with congestion and long stems in a controlled way.

Wind-rock reduction

Some shrubs normally hard-pruned in spring, including Buddleja davidii and Lavatera, can be reduced by around half in autumn to limit wind rock. The main renovation prune can still wait until the appropriate spring window.

What not to rush

Many herbaceous perennials do not need cutting down immediately. Leaving sound stems and seed heads can add structure and provide winter habitat.